Summerland residents and motorists traveling through the South Okanagan community can expect less driver confusion and more consistent speeds now that six Highway 97 speed zones have been consolidated to two.

“One of my most important jobs as transportation minister is to ensure that the speeds on our roads promote safety and reduce collisions,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone. “Drivers going much faster –and much slower – than the rest of traffic can pose a danger to other drivers on the road.”

Speed zones on Highway 97 through Summerland are now changed to 100 kilometres per hour approaching town and 70 kilometres per hour within town. The 90 kilometres per hour speed zone from Prairie Valley to Arkell Road will remain at 90 kilometres per hour until further improvements on this segment can be made.

“This change came about from a UBCM commitment asking the Province to look at consolidating the speed zones approaching the municipality and within the town core of Summerland,” said MLA for Penticton Dan Ashton. “With six speed limit zones now reduced to two, drivers will experience less confusion as they travel through the community. However, we must continue to emphasize that drivers should keep the safety of others foremost in their minds whenever they are behind the wheel.”

In addition, the ministry has also completed the following changes:  

• Removal of the two way left-turn lanes by removing overhead median left turn signs and eradication of all median left turn arrows.
• Removal and relocation of five advance warning flashers at Johnson Rd., Prairie Valley Rd. and Rosedale Ave.
• One new advance warning flasher on Highway 97 northbound at Rosedale Ave.

As part of B.C. on the Move, the province’s 10-year transportation plan, the ministry is committed to improving capacity and reliability on highways and roads throughout the Okanagan Valley.

Learn More:

B.C. on the Move is available online: www.gov.bc.ca/bconthemove