Tenders have been called for the construction of the John Hindle Drive extension, which will provide a new route to the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) campus.

“This project will ease congestion on Highway 97 and provide an alternative for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists heading to and from UBCO,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone. “Users will have another route to the university without having to travel on Highway 97.”

The project will consist of a two-lane roadway connecting Highway 97 to Glenmore Road at the UBCO campus. It will also include the construction of a multi-use paved pathway for pedestrians and cyclists from Glenmore Road to the Hollywood Road roundabout at Highway 97 near the UBCO.

“The new extension of John Hindle Drive is expected to result in quicker commute times for those traveling to and from the university, as well as reduce congestion on Highway 97 throughout the City of Kelowna,” said MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country Norm Letnick. “As our population and region continues to grow, it is important to focus on providing multi-modal transportation solutions that benefit all users and build sustainable, healthy communities.”

“The City is excited to see this project moving forward,” said City of Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran. “Boosting Kelowna’s $4.6 million investment by securing funding from the provincial and federal governments has allowed this key connection in our road and cycling network to move forward more quickly than originally scheduled.”

This $11.6-million project is cost-shared between three levels of government: the Government of Canada, the Province of B.C. and the City of Kelowna. An estimated 35 direct construction jobs are expected over the course of the project.

Construction will begin this spring and is expected to finish in spring 2018.

Learn More:

Ministry of Transportation webpage: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation-infrastructure/projects/okanagan-valley-corridor/okanagan-valley-current/john-hindle-drive

City of Kelowna website: https://www.kelowna.ca/roads-transportation/transportation-mobility-transit-projects/john-hindle-drive