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West Kelowna  

Speak up on 2nd crossing

The site for a proposed second crossing of Okanagan Lake will be one of the topics up for discussion at a pair of transportation open houses next week.

The provincial government will host these open houses in an effort to get feedback on transportation issues in the Central Okanagan including a second crossing, the role of Highway 97 and suggestions on how to address future congestion.

While the need for additional highway capacity and a second crossing is still at least two decades away, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is starting the planning process now.

The current population of the Central Okanagan is approximately 187,000 with estimates saying that figure will rise to nearly 225,000 in 20 years.

“We are committed to looking at immediate transportation solutions for the Central Okanagan, as well as looking at solutions for the future, as the population continues to grow,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.

“We are very interested in hearing the public’s views on the Highway 97 corridor and the surrounding roads, and we encourage everyone to join the conversation.”

The province estimates the William R. Bennett Bridge, which opened in 2008, will reach capacity in its current configuration. It also says by that time a trip between Peachland and Lake Country will take an extra 15 minutes during peak morning times and an additional 24 minutes during peak afternoon times.

Open houses will take place:

  • Monday, Nov. 30, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. - Westbank Lions Community Centre, 2466 Main St., West Kelowna
  • Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. - Ramada Kelowna Hotel and Conference Centre, 2170 Harvey Ave., Kelowna

At a recent meeting between West Kelowna council and Ministry of Transporation and Infrastructure staff, Mayor Doug Findlater suggested the top two priorities for his community was the elimination of the Westbank couplet and the addition of a second corridor which could connect with roads and neighbourhoods from Peachland to Westside Road.

Council expressed concerns Highway 97 would become nothing more than a series of overpasses and underpasses.



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