Penticton

Residents have improved access to Summerland's downtown commercial core thanks to a new roundabout that officially opened Friday at the intersection of Prairie Valley Road and Rosedale avenue.

Improvements to the intersection include the construction of a roundabout, sidewalks and bus pullouts, as well as the addition of bike lanes in both directions on Prairie Valley Road, and left turning lanes on both Prairie Valley Road and Rosedale Avenue.

This work will help to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide better access for cyclists and pedestrians.

"I am proud to be here today celebrating this project to provide a safer and more efficient intersection in Summerland," says Kelowna-Lake Country MP Ron Cannan on behalf of Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Denis Lebel.

"Under the Economic Action Plan, the government of Canada is supporting communities across the country with important infrastructure investments."

Penticton MLA Bill Barisoff says the access point does more than simply compliment Summerland's unique downtown character.

"Local residents now have access to sidewalks and enhanced lighting that will increase public safety and activity," says Barisoff.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia each contributed $1.5 million, under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. 

The District of Summerland contributed the remaining $1.5 million, toward a total of approximately $4.5 million in eligible project costs.