The extension project in the northern part of Kelowna is finished, making it easier for people to safely move throughout the area and access the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) Campus.

“Investing in our transportation networks is key to sustaining economic growth and creating liveable communities,” said Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna – Lake Country, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “I am pleased to see these important upgrades to John Hindle Drive completed, which will make getting to campus easier for students, increase airport connections for tourists and help businesses in the area move their goods safely and efficiently.”

This third and final 1.8-kilometre phase of the John Hindle Drive extension involved connecting the Glenmore Landfill Access to Alumni Avenue at the UBCO Campus, a new traffic signal and intersection at Upper Campus Way and Academy Way, and the construction of a 2.8-kilometre multi-use pathway from Glenmore Road to Hollywood Road.

"For too long, people have been frustrated by heavy traffic in Kelowna, and this project makes it safer and easier for people to move,” said Claire Trevena, B.C.'s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “The multi-use pathway also offers a green alternative to the more than 10,000 students, faculty and staff travelling to UBCO, providing a safer and more direct route to the campus without needing to use Highway 97.”

The John Hindle Drive extension was initiated by the City of Kelowna. The first phase was on the UBCO Campus and extended between Academy Way and the UBCO Flyover at Highway 97. The second phase extended from Glenmore Road to the Glenmore Landfill.

“We are excited to see this project completed,” said Colin Basran, mayor of the City of Kelowna. “Boosting Kelowna’s investment in John Hindle Drive 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.”

The Phase 3 contract was awarded to BD Hall Constructors Corp, and an estimated 35 direct construction jobs were created over the course of the project. The project included completion of the Upper Campus Way and left-turn bay at Alumni Avenue for the UBCO Campus.

The $12.3-million John Hindle Drive project was cost-shared, with $3.5 million from the Government of Canada through the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component Fund, $3.5 million from the Province, $3.7 million from the City of Kelowna and the remaining from UBCO.

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Follow the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online: http://www.tranbc.ca