Kamloops residents should be advised that extreme excavating will begin the City's Victoria Street West Improvements Project this Monday.
Starting at the east end of the corridor near 1st Avenue, the $13 million project will involve utility replacement, undergrounding, road reconstruction, improved pedestrian access, lighting, and landscaping. Work on the project will last anywhere from 18 months to the next two years.
Construction will take place Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with additional night and weekend work as required. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained through the construction zone at all times. Motorists will need to obey the 30km/h speed limit posted in construction zones.
“We’re asking motorists to use the zipper merge when approaching the construction zone. Drivers are encouraged to use both lanes until the point of merge and then to take turns to ease safely and smoothly into the remaining lane,” said Darren Crundwell, the City’s Capital Projects Manager. “By maximizing the full use of two lanes until the point of merge, congestion can be reduced and help keep traffic flowing.”
Pedestrian access and access to all businesses along Victoria Street West will be maintained throughout the project. While every attempt will be made to minimize the impact on businesses, residents, motorists, transit users, and pedestrians during construction, delays, and congestion are inevitable and should be expected.
During construction, residents are encouraged to use other modes of transportation, such as carpooling, transit, cycling, or walking.
Traffic webcams have been installed on Victoria Street West and the Overlanders Bridge so residents can always see congestion in the area. The City will also have roadside message board and updates online at all times.
To learn more about the project, click here.
