West Kelowna

Photo: Contributed

Early work on the Westside Interchange.

Motorists can expect daytime lane closures in both directions through the Westside Road Interchange construction site all week.

Paving crews will close lanes between 4 a.m. and 3 p.m. and again in both directions between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. from Sept. 24 to 29 as part of the $41-million Westside Road Interchange Project, a project designed to improve traffic flow through the Okanagan Valley Corridor.

Westbank First Nation adds that traffic exiting Highway 97 to Westside Road between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Wednesday may experience additional delays of up to 20 minutes while the exit ramp is paved. 

“Motorists are advised to anticipate additional travel time during lane closures.”

A speed limit of 60 km/hr through the construction zone remains in effect.

“Please watch for crews and equipment working in the area and obey all traffic signage and flagpersons.”

Additionally, motorists can check DriveBC for updates and traffic advisories or follow on Twitter.

The interchange, a joint venture between Westbank First Nation and the province, opened in Oct. 2011 and was originally scheduled for completion this summer. It will replace the existing traffic intersection at Westside Road and Highway 97 with a grade-separated interchange and an overpass at Sneena Road. 

The project aims to create safer and more efficient traffic movement along Highway 97 to and from the William R. Bennett Bridge.