Upset stuck in traffic line-up

On May 23, as I was driving east along Guisichan Road approaching the traffic circle at Byrns and Burtch, our line of vehicles was held up for construction work at the traffic circle.

It was approximately 7:45 a.m. and many of the drivers I am sure were on a critical time schedule to either get to work or keep an 8 a.m. appointment.

A line of traffic travelling west along Byrns was permitted to enter the traffic circle and head north on Burtch. Meanwhile our line of traffic heading east continued to be held up.

I assumed we would be permitted to enter the traffic circle and continue on once the eastbound traffic was permitted to go through. That was not the case. We sat there for about 10 minutes. Some drivers started blowing their horns, while others made u-turns to try to get back to Springfield.

Eventually, as more traffic approached from the east, they were stopped while we were permitted to enter the traffic circle and continue on our way. I don’t know how long the Byrns traffic was held up for.

My question is, why did the road crew delay traffic at this critical intersection during rush hour? They could have waited until after 9 a.m. to do work on the traffic circle, when traffic would have been much lighter and not a hinderance to people attempting to get to work on time.

Why did they not put up a detour sign further back on Guisichan Road so drivers could avoid the delay at the traffic circle?

I have lived in Kelowna for nearly 40 years and have noticed an increase in traffic delays during rush hours (caused by) road and building construction crews, particularly in the past 10 to 15 years.

What I would like to know is, when will common sense prevail?

John H. Broughton