How Information is Updated on DriveBC and Why You Might Notice a Delay

How DriveBC is Updated

When it comes to resources for the travelling public to inform them what’s happening on our BC highways, DriveBC is the authority. Whether it’s info on construction (current or planned), rock slides, avalanche, maintenance, special events, vehicle collisions, inland ferry delays, or updates on when our roads will open or services will resume …basically anything that could impact your travel plans is shared on the website.

But how does the information go from “in the field” to on the website?

Updates to DriveBC are initiated by our ministry staff or maintenance contractors on the scene, including details (if available) like location, what’s going on, when the next update will be, whether there’s a detour and when the estimated opening time is planned.

Once the update is inputted into the system, it’s displayed on the website within minutes. Ministry staff and maintenance contractors make every effort to keep you informed, providing updates on DriveBC quickly, regularly and as conditions change.

You can help too. There’s a Report a Highway Problem tool on the DriveBC site, as well as a general feedback button. If you have a timely issue or concern, you can also reach out to @DriveBC staff via Twitter 24/7.

Sometimes, though rarely, there can be discrepancies or delays in information to DriveBC. There are a few reasons this might happen:

  • Emergency Services – Sometimes, other first responders like the RCMP need to close a road, and they do so before letting our staff and maintenance contractors know or before we arrive on the scene. This may cause a discrepancy or delay between what’s happening on the highway and what is actually being posted to DriveBC.
  • Safety First – Ministry staff and maintenance contractors are often involved directly with the emergency response taking place on scene, so if urgent actions need to be taken right away, this may cause a delay in inputting data.
  • Connectivity – Gaps in communication systems (lack of cellular coverage means having to radio in updates to someone who can input data into the system).
  • Emergency On Scene – It can sometimes be difficult to estimate opening times due to the thorough investigations that occur alongside motor vehicle incidents. Often, investigators must be called into remote locations and the road cannot be opened until they finish their work.

To really help you, it’s important for us to provide timely and accurate information regarding road closures, planned maintenance work and extreme weather conditions through DriveBC. We hope you continue to use our website when planning that next BC road trip to help you know before you go.

Related links:

If you have any other questions, let us know in the comments below and we will try to get you an answer.

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