Road work providing wider shoulders and smoother pavement for West Kelowna

KELOWNA – Cyclists heading to West Kelowna this summer will see improvements to Highway 97 from Glenrosa to Hebert Road with the addition of wider shoulders, new pavement and enhanced lighting. Resurfacing of Highway 97 will also be completed from Glenrosa to Westside Road to make the ride smoother and safer for the traveling public.

"With a growing population and tourism on the rise, vehicle and bicycle traffic are increasing with it," said Premier Christy Clark, MLA for Westside-Kelowna. "A smoother, better-lit, and wider road is easier to share safely."

In addition to these resurfacing and safety improvements on Highway 97, a total of nine side roads throughout West Kelowna and two roads within Westbank First Nation will also be resurfaced, providing smoother and safer conditions for the traveling public.

"As cycling increases in popularity, we are always looking at ways to enhance key routes to better improve safety for all users, including vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists," said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone. "Wider shoulders will provide more space between cyclists and cars, and LED lighting in the area will increase visibility for all users. Investments in cycling are a key priority in B.C. on the Move, our 10-year transportation plan."

Lafarge Canada Inc. (Westlake Paving) was awarded a contract for $3.4 million for this work. The ministry has partnered with the City of West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation to complete this project. Work is expected to finish by the end of July.