Squamish drivers share the road with commuters, visitors, and heavy trucks every day, and small mistakes can carry big consequences on Highway 99. A local resident recently experienced a wrong-way driving incident near town, a reminder that vigilance and clear road design both matter in preventing head‑on collisions. While details from police and the Province are still pending, the report has sparked familiar questions in our community about how to reduce risk at busy intersections and high‑speed transitions along the Sea to Sky.
Highway 99 through Squamish is managed by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, while municipal streets fall under the District of Squamish. Enforcement on the highway is led by the Sea to Sky RCMP. We have requested comment from both the RCMP and the Ministry about the recent report and whether any enforcement or site review is underway. Official responses were not available at the time of publication; we will share updates as they are confirmed.
The Sea to Sky corridor has seen major engineering improvements over the past two decades, including safety upgrades ahead of the 2010 Winter Games. Since then, the Province has continued with seasonal maintenance, paint refreshes, and other measures typical of high‑volume provincial routes—centreline and shoulder rumble strips, high‑visibility signage, and roadside delineators in key locations. Even with those layers in place, wrong‑way entries and near‑misses can happen when drivers are unfamiliar with local intersections or visibility drops in heavy rain or dusk light.
In Squamish, lane choices for northbound or southbound travel at signalized intersections such as Garibaldi Way and Mamquam Road can be challenging for first‑time visitors and for anyone navigating in poor conditions. Add in peak weekend traffic or construction detours, and the chance of an unintentional wrong‑way turn increases. Road‑safety advocates generally encourage a “no surprises” approach: make the intended path obvious, and make the wrong move uncomfortable and unmistakably signed.
Across BC, typical tools to prevent wrong‑way movements include “Do Not Enter” and “Wrong Way” signs positioned where they’re visible at driver eye level, larger lane‑use arrows and “ONLY” pavement markings, red retroreflective tape on the backs of signs that face the wrong direction, and refreshed line paint with higher‑contrast materials. In some locations, flexible posts or a raised median can physically guide turning vehicles into the correct lanes while discouraging cut‑throughs into oncoming traffic.
Lighting is another consideration where wrong‑way risks exist. Well‑placed illumination at intersections and channelized left‑turn areas helps drivers read lane arrows and curbs at night or in shoulder seasons when darkness comes early. Where lighting isn’t feasible, agencies sometimes increase sign size, add supplemental “KEEP RIGHT” chevrons, or install additional reflectors on medians to better define the correct side of the roadway.
Education and enforcement remain central. The RCMP routinely reminds motorists that impairment, distraction, and speed reduce reaction time and the ability to recognize cues like wrong‑way signage and pavement arrows. ICBC’s collision research has consistently identified those factors as leading contributors to serious crashes across the province. Locally, the Sea to Sky RCMP works with partners on targeted enforcement during high‑traffic weekends and seasonal campaigns focused on impaired and distracted driving. We have asked the detachment whether any additional education or enforcement specific to wrong‑way prevention is planned in the coming weeks.
Community input can also make a difference. The District of Squamish and the Ministry coordinate on issues where local streets meet Highway 99, and residents can help by reporting near‑misses with clear location details—intersection names, direction of travel, time of day, and weather conditions. That kind of information allows engineers to review sign placement, sightlines, and pavement markings, and to prioritize changes where patterns emerge. Concerns related to Highway 99 can be directed to the Ministry’s regional office or through DriveBC’s service channels, while municipal road issues can be submitted to the District’s customer service portal.
Technology offers additional possibilities. Some jurisdictions use wrong‑way detection systems that trigger warning lights or alerts when a vehicle enters from the incorrect direction. These systems are expensive and are generally reserved for ramps with a demonstrated risk, but they illustrate the layered approach many agencies consider: engineering first, then enhanced warnings, and finally technology where warranted by data.
Local groups and parent networks have also raised the importance of consistent wayfinding, especially during tourism peaks. Many visitors rely on navigation apps, which don’t always reflect on‑the‑ground changes after construction or resurfacing. While app makers update maps regularly, clear temporary signage during road work and advance notice about lane shifts can reduce confusion. We have asked the Ministry whether additional temporary measures are planned at any current or upcoming work zones near Squamish.
For individual drivers, a few habits lower the odds of a close call. Leave extra space and time at intersections that feed directly onto Highway 99, especially in heavy rain or low sun angles. If you see a driver who appears uncertain, avoid horn use that could be misread in a high‑stress moment; instead, give them room and be ready to stop. When unfamiliar with a turn, pause to read the lane arrows and overhead lane‑use signs; it’s better to miss a light cycle than to guess.
RCMP guidance for encountering a wrong‑way vehicle is straightforward. If you can do so safely, slow down, move right, and pull off to the shoulder or a nearby turnout. Call 911 when it’s safe to do so, and provide precise location information using intersection names, landmarks, or kilometre markers if visible. Do not attempt to stop or follow the other driver yourself. If you are already on the highway when an alert comes over the radio or a sign, reduce speed, maintain lane discipline, and scan well ahead.
As a growth community with a regional highway running through it, Squamish sees complex traffic patterns and frequent weather shifts. That makes good basic road design and steady maintenance especially important. It also puts a premium on awareness—among drivers, but also among the agencies that manage our roads. The recent wrong‑way report is a timely cue to check what’s working, where visibility could be better, and how enforcement and education can reinforce the message that safe choices on Highway 99 protect everyone.
We will update readers once the Sea to Sky RCMP confirms details of the reported incident and any resulting enforcement or advisories. We have also asked the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure whether the area in question will be reviewed for additional safety improvements, including signage or pavement marking changes. For current highway conditions and incident notifications, visit DriveBC. Questions and service requests related to Highway 99 can be directed to the Ministry’s regional office, while municipal road concerns can be submitted to the District of Squamish.
