Hwy 97 six-laning project to ‘reduce congestion’ now complete

Congestion along Kelowna’s main artery should now be eased with the completion of the Highway 97 six-laning project.

The highway was widened between Highway 33 and Edwards Road and several busy intersections were upgraded as part of the project.

Good news, #Kelowna: #BCHwy97 six-laning project is complete, making it easier for people to travel through the area by widening the highway and upgrading several busy intersections. Learn more: https://t.co/vQR7DftNNG pic.twitter.com/hDLjo34e3Y

— BC Transportation (@TranBC) November 19, 2018

"The widening project and intersection upgrades have enhanced our transportation infrastructure for the long term and will reduce congestion and improve safety in this vital corridor," said Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran.

Around 40,000 vehicles use this stretch of highway every day and with the city steadily growing in population, that number will continue to rise.

The completion of the project will help make travel times shorter and get people where they need to go quicker.

Along with the widening of the highway, there was also an increase in HOV lanes.

Intersections at Leathead, McCurdy, Findlay/Hollywood and Sexsmith Roads all saw upgrades and crews also re-aligned Rutland Road with a new roundabout at Old Vernon road.

"These upgrades should make it easier and safer for people to move through Kelowna," said Claire Trevena, B.C.'s minister of transportation and infrastructure.

"They also create a better connection from the downtown core to the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus and Kelowna Airport."

The $67-million project was cost-shared, with $18-million coming from the federal government, close to $1-million contributed by the City of Kelowna and the rest from the Province of B.C.