$8 million paving the way for road upgrades

Upgrades costing $8 million will be coming to three highways near Vernon this year.

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Mary Polak believes the road construction will improve the driving experience for locals and tourists alike. She also notes the projects will create jobs in the region.

"This work near Vernon will improve the ride and safety on three sections of highway popular with visitors to the Okanagan Valley. Not only do these projects upgrade infrastructure that's important to families and to the economy in the region, they will also generate good-paying jobs," Polak said.

Sections of Hwy 6 between Hamilton Flats and the top of Mine Hill, approximately 17 kilometres east of Lumby, will be resurfaced, improving travel on this link between the Okanagan and Kootenays. The $2.19-million contract for the Hwy 6 resurfacing work has been given to Okanagan Aggregates from Armstrong. Work will start this summer and is scheduled to be completed by mid-September.

In Spallumcheen, the Hwy 97A/Eagle Rock Road intersection (pictured) will get safety improvements. Protected left turn bays and a southbound deceleration lane will be
added to improve safety for highway travellers and those accessing Eagle Rock Road. The intersection will also be upgraded to improve sight lines. This project will go to tender this spring.

Hwy 97 between 15th Ave. and Bailey Rd. will be resurfaced this year. The highway will be resurfaced for a distance of approximately nine kilometres. This project will go to tender in the spring.

Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster says the roadwork will pave the way for a safer transportation system. 

"The roads in our region see large numbers of travelers and varied weather conditions. These upgrades will ensure we can meet future transportation needs and improve traveler safety – our number one priority," Foster said.

—Charlotte Helston
chelston@infotelnews.ca
(250)309-5230