More delays on Gellatly Road

Photo: Trevor Rockliffe - Castanet File Photo

The timeline for emergency repairs to the eroding bank of Gellatly Road, closed since May 2, has been extended to approximately July 15.

Staff have faced complex engineering challenges as construction moves past the initial five week estimate.

Throughout the project, the District has been in consultation with federal and provincial authorities to ensure proper regulations are met.

On May 2 the District closed Gellatly Road, from approximately Witt Road to Angus Drive, when a 160-metre long section of the bank below the road began to erode.

Geotechnical and hydrological reports were commissioned, which indicated a high probability for additional erosion. Immediate stabilization measures were recommended in order to protect the public, existing embankment, roadway, and underground and overhead utilities.

Mayor Doug Findlater declared a Local State of Emergency on May 12 in order for the municipality to access the powers authorized in Section 12 and 13 of the BC Emergency Program Act.

The slope failure put the roadway at risk, which is also a transit and emergency services route. A nearby water main, gravity sewer main (owned by Regional District of Central Okanagan) and private utility infrastructure are also threatened.

In the interest of public safety, the road remains closed to motorists and pedestrians while these emergency repairs are undertaken.

An informal trail on nearby Westbank First Nation has been closed as well. A detour has been established around the site and the transit stop in this location has also been temporarily closed.

The speed limit on the detour route has been modified to 30 km/hr and two speed bumps have been installed. Motorists are asked to respect the speed limit as RCMP continue to monitor traffic.

The District apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this emergency road closure.