The B.C. government has unveiled the successful consulting firm to carry out a three-year transportation planning study for the Central Okanagan, looking at route options for a future second crossing of Okanagan Lake.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone announced the successful consulting firm at the B.C. Road Builders’ annual fall conference in Kelowna. Delcan Corporation has been selected as the consulting firm to undertake this important planning assignment. The work is valued at $2-million for the three-year planning study.

The planning study will examine the Central Okanagan to understand and explore the transportation needs of the area. The study will look at route options including preferred locations for a future alternate lake crossing and potential timing for future project planning purposes.

There will be extensive opportunities for local governments, First Nations and the public to have input in the planning process as the needs are explored and potential solutions identified. These will include meetings with local government and First Nations, open houses for public consultation and online opportunities for feedback. The ministry expects formal consultation to start later this winter as the planning work progresses.

Since 2001, more than $370 million in upgrades to the Highway 97 corridor in the Kelowna area have been undertaken to improve safety and mobility. The current lake crossing on Highway 97 was upgraded in 2008 which included the construction of the five-lane William R. Bennett Bridge.

When the William R. Bennett Bridge opened to traffic in 2008, it was estimated the bridge would serve the region’s traffic needs for 25 years, based on extensive traffic analysis. Traffic counts on the bridge confirm this to still be the case.  Starting the planning process now for a future second crossing will ensure the government can move forward when necessary.

Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested more than $600 million in upgrading highways, roads, bridges and transit in the Okanagan.

Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark, MLA for Westside-Kelowna -

“The Okanagan’s population and economy are growing, and our infrastructure has to keep pace. This is an important step towards moving people and goods more efficiently through Kelowna, Westbank and neighbouring communities.”

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone -

“This demonstrates our government’s commitment to start the planning work for a future second crossing over Okanagan Lake that will improve the movement of people and goods throughout the Okanagan. More than 300,000 British Columbians live in the Okanagan Valley, and this region continues to see growth. We are looking to the future of the transportation corridor through the Central Okanagan, to plan for the traffic flow needed to serve generations to come.”

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241