WEST A project to improve safety for motorists at the Highway 97/Grizzly Road intersection is going to tender today.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will be constructing improvements and changing traffic patterns to reduce the risk of crashes at this busy intersection.

"Over the last decade, there's been a big increase in commercial and residential development along Highway 97 through West Kelowna, which has led to safety concerns at some of the smaller intersections," said Premier Christy Clark. "This investment helps address those concerns, making it safer while preserving access to Grizzly Road from the highway."

The project involves building raised concrete medians to channel and protect vehicles at the intersection. Other safety improvements include overhead lighting and better drainage.

When the project is complete, vehicles will not be able to turn left from Grizzly Road onto Highway 97, or travel directly across the highway. Traffic will be able to make right and left turns onto Grizzly Road from Highway 97, and make right turns from Grizzly Road onto Highway 97.

Left turns onto the highway and travel across the highway can be safely made at the signalized intersections at Daimler Drive and Butt Road.

The project is valued at $2 million and was developed in consultation with the District of West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation. Construction is expected to begin in late summer and finish in early fall.

Media Contacts:

Sam Oliphant
Office of the Premier
250 952-7252

Kate Trotter
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241