Hwy getting too clogged

A second crossing of Okanagan Lake is sure to be a hot topic at an upcoming series of open houses on the future of Highway 97 through the Central Okanagan.

The Ministry of Transportation predicts that by 2040, the William R. Bennett Bridge will reach capacity in its current configuration. And approaches to the bridge on the Kelowna side will reach capacity before then.

The ministry estimates that by 2040, the drive from Peachland to Lake Country will take almost 15 minutes longer during morning rush hour, and up to 24 minutes longer after work.

By that time, significant congestion and delays are expected at virtually every intersection along the Highway 97 corridor in developed areas.

The ministry is holding a third round of open houses to gather public input on transportation improvement options to relieve the anticipated congestion. 

Sessions are planned in Lake Country, Kelowna and West Kelowna, and will lay out a range of preliminary options. Previous meetings have discussed a second bridge across Okanagan Lake and a bypass around Peachland.

The latest sessions are scheduled for:

• March 27, 3:30-7 p.m. at Winfield Memorial Hall, Lake Country
• March 28, 3:30-7 p.m. at the Ramada Kelowna Hotel and Conference Centre, Kelowna
• March 30, 3:30-7 p.m. at Westbank Lions Community Centre, West Kelowna

For more information on the Central Okanagan transportation study, or to submit feedback online, click here.