Squamish Residents Call for Safety Upgrades on Sea-to-Sky Highway

Squamish residents are raising alarms over frequent closures and safety hazards on Highway 99, the Sea-to-Sky Highway, citing a growing risk to drivers, tourists, and emergency services. Local concerns highlight the urgent need for infrastructure improvements, better traffic management, and proactive safety measures along this heavily travelled corridor.

What's Making Highway 99 So Dangerous Right Now

The Sea-to-Sky Highway is a critical link for commuters, visitors, and emergency responders travelling between Vancouver and the Sea-to-Sky region. Residents report regular delays, hazardous driving conditions, and dangerous bottlenecks caused by road closures, rockslides, and accidents.

"The highway is getting more dangerous every year. People are driving fast around curves, and closures create chaos for locals and first responders alike," said one Squamish resident.

Recent accidents, including collisions involving motorcycles and passenger vehicles, underscore the need for immediate action. Emergency services have repeatedly noted longer response times during high-traffic periods and closures, which could be life-threatening in critical situations.

Which Safety Improvements Locals Want to See

Residents are urging the BC Ministry of Transportation to implement safety upgrades along the corridor. Community members are calling for additional guardrails and barriers on high-risk curves, improved signage and early-warning systems for closures, more frequent maintenance and rockfall mitigation, and real-time traffic alerts for commuters and tourists.

While the ministry acknowledges ongoing maintenance, locals argue it is not enough to keep pace with traffic growth and tourism. The RCMP also recommends caution, reminding drivers to adhere to speed limits, follow signage, and avoid risky manoeuvres on narrow stretches.

How to Protect Yourself on This Route

StaySafeVancouver recommends checking DriveBC for current road conditions before travelling. Drive defensively, especially on curves and steep sections. Allow extra time for emergency closures or delays, and avoid distractions while reducing speed during adverse weather conditions. Report hazards promptly to local authorities.

Why This Highway Needs Attention Now

With tourism and commuter traffic continuing to rise, the need for improved infrastructure and proactive safety measures is more urgent than ever. Residents and authorities alike hope that highlighting these risks will lead to tangible upgrades that protect everyone on the highway.

"We love our community and the natural beauty along this highway," a local resident said. "But without real improvements, it's only a matter of time before a serious accident happens."