Work is underway to upgrade a key highway intersection in Lake Country to improve safety and access for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. 

The project includes constructing traffic islands to facilitate right turns at Oceola Road, a northbound acceleration lane onto Highway 97, raised centre medians, an extension of the northbound left turn lane, pedestrian crosswalks, and a new signal with left turn advances.

A $2.4-million contract has been awarded to Belvedere Place Contracting Ltd of Kelowna. During construction, drivers are advised to expect delays and are encouraged to check www.DriveBC.ca for current conditions. Work is expected to be finished in fall 2015. 

Quick Facts:

• This intersection upgrade ties into and is a component of the recently completed Highway 97 four-laning project between Winfield and Oyama.
• This nine-kilometre-long section of four-lane highway opened to traffic in August 2013, and included raised medians, wider shoulders, rumble strips and roadside barriers.
• The Highway 97 Winfield to Oyama project is a $78-million investment cost-shared between Canada and British Columbia. The Government of Canada is contributing up to $26.8 million under the Building Canada Fund and the provincial government is investing $51.1 million.
• As a result of this project, Highway 97 is a four-lane route from Highway 97C (the Okanagan Connector) to Armstrong.

Quotes:

Ron Cannan, MP for Kelowna-

“Our Government is pleased to invest in this project that will create local jobs and promote long-term economic growth in the region. This improvement will make travel safer and more efficient for all motorists in the area.”

Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure - 

“Safety on British Columbia’s highways is my number one priority and this project is an excellent way to make access into and through the community of Lake Country safer and more efficient for all travellers.”

Norm Letnick, MLA for Kelowna-

“Thousands of Lake Country and North Okanagan residents along with tourists and visitors travel this stretch of Highway 97 daily. Once completed, these changes to the Oceola Road intersection will give motorists easier access to shopping, shopping services and the many recreational opportunities that are found in this part of the Okanagan.”

Learn More: 

For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan, visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/plan-eng.html

Follow the work of the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online: www.tranbc.ca

Media Contacts:

Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613 943-1838

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613 993-0055

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