Kelowna

2nd crossing goes public

Wayne Moore - May 13, 2015 / 11:10 am | Story: 139810

Photo: Castanet Staff - File Photo

The timing of a second crossing of Okanagan Lake is on the table during public consultation on Highway 97.

Beginning next week, residents will have a chance to provide input on traffic conditions through the highway corridor.

The public engagement, part of a three-year study, will explore future transportation needs including route options and the timing of a future second bridge.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will consider the feedback, along with existing provincial plans, technical data and local government input.

When the five-lane William R. Bennett Bridge opened in 2008, it was estimated it would serve the region’s needs for 25 years or more. Traffic counts confirm this to still be the case.

While a second crossing could be 20 years away, the province is starting the planning process now. Population in the Central Okanagan is expected to increase 36 per cent to about 255,000 within the next 20 years.

“Our infrastructure needs to keep pace with the growing population and traffic levels, and that’s why we are launching the planning and public engagement process," said minister Todd Stone.

"This portion of the study is gathering a snapshot of the needs and experiences of all travellers on the corridor, including local drivers, truck drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. We encourage interested citizens to join the conversation.”

The first phase will consider:

The performance of the corridor, including congestion and safety factors.
Travel patterns, the role and function of the Highway 97 corridor and the W.R. Bennett Bridge, and the needs of all users, including car drivers, goods movers, transit riders, carpoolers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Connection to and support for local, regional, provincial and national growth and transportation plans.
Trends in population, economic development, land use, sustainability initiatives, community livability, traffic and travel modes in the Central Okanagan.
Your experience with respect to all of the above.

Future work will consider:

Future transportation needs.
Possible improvement options for the long and near-to-intermediate term.
Further public input.

The study area for the Highway 97 corridor extends from just south of Peachland to Clerke Road/ College Way to the north, encompassing the communities of Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, Lake Country, the Westbank First Nation and Okanagan Indian Band.

There are several ways to participate:

Open houses:

Kelowna ─ May 19 - 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Ramada Hotel
West Kelowna ─ May 20 - 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Westbank Lions Community Centre

Website:

A website will be launched May 19 where citizens can submit feedback.

Dialogue/presentation sessions:

The project team will hold meetings with community groups and stakeholders, seeking in-depth discussion with business, environmental, transportation, agricultural and other groups.

Social media: