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Resource road safety information

Last updated on June 26, 2024

Resource roads are not built or maintained to the same standards as public highways. Many resource roads are not maintained for vehicular traffic. Most resource roads have rough, loose gravel surfaces and are narrow (often one lane wide).

Road safety

Resource roads do not have signs or barriers identifying all hazards or dangers. Common hazards include:

  • Rough, loose gravel surfaces
  • Potholes
  • Sharp corners
  • Steep grades and drop-offs
  • Soft shoulders
  • Poor visibility due to brush
  • Dust, fog or smoke
  • Changing road surface conditions
  • Freezing rain or snow
  • Large industrial vehicles
  • High traffic volumes
  • Passing or being passed on narrow roads
  • Others failing to follow traffic control procedures
  • Wildlife
  • Rocks and boulders
  • Other unmarked hazards

Where avalanche paths exist the roads may be partially covered with residual debris. As always, caution is advised on all roads and back-country travellers should be aware of rapidly changing weather and stream flows which may affect road conditions. 

Please read road safety, road use regulations and road policy information before travelling on forest service roads. Please note that Forest Service Road Use Regulations including speed restrictions and insurance requirements are in effect and enforced. 

Road safety resources

Road closures and information for driving on Forest Service Roads

A Forest Service Road may be closed to vehicular access for safety or environmental reasons. These closures may be temporary in nature, so check back regularly for updated information. Be advised that there may be instances where an event on a road or bridge has not yet been identified. Those using Forest Service Roads and other resource roads should do so with caution.

Find out which natural resource district applies to you (PNG, 30MB)

Road Deactivation

The intent of road deactivation is to place a road in a self-maintaining state that will indefinitely protect adjacent resources. Road deactivation requirements typically include removing bridges and stream culverts, stabilizing the road prism, and barricading the road surface width in a clearly visible manner to prevent access by motor vehicles (other than all-terrain vehicles).

Forest Service Roads and bridges on Crown land across the province are monitored for meeting efficient and economical engineering standards.

Engineering staff work with forest licencees, the public and First Nations to monitor roads and bridges. 

Contact information

Please report any road safety issues to your local natural resource district office.

Natural resource district contacts