Photo: Contributed

A number of roads in Kelowna are a little worse for wear due to heavy use, weather and water drainage, but they are about to get some TLC.

To extend the life of roads, help manage long-term costs and create smoother, safer rides for drivers and cyclists, the City’s annual pavement management program has started.

Approximately 40 lane-kilometres of roads will be resurfaced this year, involving 16 different road segments.

“Figuring out which roads will be prioritized each year, as well as the level of repair required, involves some testing and software analysis,” said Bruce Dacre, Roads Design Technologist.

“And to manage costs, we coordinate road repairs with other projects such as utility work and bike lanes," he added. 

As part of this year’s pavement management program, bike lanes will be added on Bernard Avenue, between Richter and Ethel streets, and on Ellis Street between Roanoke and Broadway streets.

City staff have already started preparing select road segments by cleaning, sweeping, sealing cracks, flushing and completing some minor shoulder repairs. Residents will be notified when resurfacing work will begin in their area.

In 2019, approximately $3.5 million will be invested in asphalt improvements, with the work expected to be complete by October 2019.