City of Kelowna - Road Report/Transportation News Releases

Online Input for Lakeshore Rd. Improvements

Tue, 22 May 2012 10:00:00 PDT

A redesign of Lakeshore Rd from Richter to Lexington is underway

Residents are invited to take an online survey to provide feedback about what is important for the future of Lakeshore Road corridor.

How do we accommodate all modes of transportation and realize efficiencies? How will this significant recreation destination look, feel and function in the near future?

Decisions will be based on feedback that respects community values, accommodates future growth, supports the 2030 Official Community Plan and reduces Green House Gas emissions.

A community value set was identified by a cross-section of stakeholders earlier this year to help inform the redesign of Lakeshore Road from Richter Street to Lexington Road including the Mission Creek Bridge. This will serve as the first phase for future road and utility infrastructure improvements that will ultimately extend from Pandosy Town Centre to Barnaby Road.

The preliminary design for a new bridge, utilities and roadway is expected to be completed by the end of the year with construction dependent on the success of a Gas Tax Funding application.

Feedback will be received until Sunday, June 3. Access the survey by visiting Lakeshore Road Improvements under City Projects.

Paving improvements to Springfield and Spall

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:50:00 PDT

Open House - Monday May 14, 4pm to 6pm

As part of the City of Kelowna's Pavement Management Program, Springfield and Spall roads will see paving improvements this spring and summer.

To learn more about the schedule and traffic management plan for the upcoming paving projects, residents are invited to attend a public information session:

Monday, May 14
4 - 6 p.m.
A.S. Matheson Elementary School
2090 Gordon Drive

City representatives will be on hand to answer questions.

Preliminary work will begin May 14 on Springfield Road (from Burtch Road to Ethel Street) and paving is scheduled for completion by early June. Lane restrictions will be in place.

Paving of Spall Road (from Highway 97 to Springfield Road) is tentatively scheduled for late July. Construction is scheduled in the evenings between 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Prep work will be underway a week prior with minimal disruption.

Paving schedules are subject to change based on weather conditions.

Visit kelowna.ca/roadreport for the most up to date information on road construction.

Road closures for Rutland May Days parade

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:30:00 PDT

Traffic Advisory

This year's Rutland May Days parade will be held on Saturday, May 19. The parade will start at 10:30 a.m. at the entrance of the Rutland Recreation Park on Hartman Road.

Rutland Road between Highway 33 and McCurdy Road and Hartman Road, from Rutland Road to the parking lot entrance will be closed with rolling closures on Saturday May 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to accommodate the parade.

Rutland Recreation Park parking lot will have restricted access during this time for parade marshalling.

Minor delays are expected and motorists must follow the directions of traffic control personnel during the road closure.

Transit service will be disrupted during the closure. Visit bctransit.com under Kelowna for route and schedule information.

For the most up to date information on road work, road closures and potential delays, visit kelowna.ca/roadreport.

2012 Play On! Hockey road and parking lot closures

Mon, 07 May 2012 10:00:00 PDT

Traffic Advisory

CBC's Hockey Night in Canada's Play On! Hockey will host an outdoor 4-on-4 street hockey tournament on Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 11, the Dolphins parking lot at Waterfront Park and Water Street from Cawston Avenue to Sunset Drive will be closed to traffic. Motorists will be asked to detour via Cawston Avenue, Doyle Avenue and Ellis Street.

Access will remain open to the Rotary Centre for the Arts, Prospera Place parking lot and Delta parkade.

Public parking will be available at the Library Plaza Parkade located at 1360 Ellis St. and Chapman Parkade at 345 Lawrence Ave.

The road and Dolphins parking lot at Waterfront Park will reopen Sunday, May 13 at 10 p.m.

Transit Route No. 2 will be rerouted during the course of the road closure. Visit bctransit.com under Kelowna for route and schedule information.

Event information is available online at playon.ca.

For the most up to date road closure information visit kelowna.ca/roadreport.

Glenmore Footprint Days 2012

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:15:00 PDT

Traffic Advisory

Glenmore Footprint Days 2012 will take place Tuesday, May 8 to Friday, May 11 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

For four evenings in a row, families will take part in different neighbourhood walks starting at 5:30 p.m. Participants will walk about five kilometres starting from the entrance of the Glenmore Elementary School (960 Glenmore Dr.) to promote healthy living lifestyles to children, showing them how fun it can be to stay active.

Although roads will not be closed for these events, motorists may experience minor delays at road crossings and are asked to follow the directions of course marshals and be cautious while driving.

For the most up-to-date information on road work, road closures and potential delays, visit kelowna.ca/roadreport.

Summer transit schedule changes

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:30:00 PDT

#6 Glenmore transit route deactivated April 30

On April 30, the #6 Glenmore transit route will be deactivated in conjunction with post-secondary school schedules. A small number of trips on five other routes specifically serving student riders will also be discontinued for the summer season. These buses were in place to specifically address the exceptional volumes of students during peak school travel times and are discontinued for the summer when volumes drop.

Additional summer schedule changes will be made starting July 2, 2012. All bus routes will return to peak service schedules on Sept 4, 2012.

For detailed schedule, route and fare information check out the Riders Guide or visit www.bctransit.com/regions/kel.

Kelowna Yacht Club parking lot closure

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:00:00 PDT

Public Service Announcement

Beginning at 12 p.m., Friday, April 27, the Kelowna Yacht Club parking lot will be closed until 7 p.m. Sunday, April 29 to accommodate the Annual Boat and Leisure Show. On-street parking will also be restricted along the westside of Water Street from the Water Street boat launch to Doyle Ave.

For the safety of motorists, flaggers will be present at the intersection of Water Street and Doyle Ave. on Friday, April 27 from 3 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 29 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Courtesy tows, if required, will be to the Doyle Avenue and Ellis Street parking lot.

Visit kelowna.ca/roadreport under Outdoor Events Notices for more information.

Bike to Work Week a smart choice

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:15:00 PDT

Event runs May 28 to June 3

When the weather warms up and days get longer, it's the time to get on your bike. To get ready for cycling season, cyclists around the Central Okanagan are pumping up their tires, oiling their chains and signing up for Bike to Work Week.

This annual event runs May 28 to June 3 to engage the community in cycling as part of their daily transportation.

"The Central Okanagan's Bike to Work Week, is part of the smartTRIPS program," says Mike Kittmer, City of Kelowna's Active Transportation Coordinator. "This annual event challenges workplaces, schools and other organizations to incorporate cycling into their commute, and this is what smartTRIPS is all about."

Bike to School Week is held at the same time and encourages students to learn bike safety and try riding to school.

"Throughout the week, Bike to Work teams have the opportunity to compete against other organizations and schools to win prizes," says Lindsay Eason, Bike to Work Week Coordinator for the Central Okanagan. "Celebration Stations will be in neighbourhoods throughout the week offering snacks, cycling information, bike tune ups and a fun way to meet other cyclists."

A recent study in Kelowna showed that residents who ride their bikes to work are significantly happier with their commute than those who drive. Plus you save money and it's good for your health.

To get involved, residents can form a team at work, school, or place of worship and register by visiting smartTRIPS.ca. Individuals without a team can also get involved by visiting the Celebration Stations during the week. The event is free to anyone who wants to participate.

To register, or for more information about smartTRIPS and Bike to Work Week, visit smartTRIPS.ca or phone 250-868-5121.

About smartTRIPS: smartTRIPS is the Central Okanagan's new active transportation education program. The goal is to encourage all Central Okanagan residents to be healthy and active by reducing drive-alone trips. By biking, walking, riding transit, carpooling and other smart transportation options we benefit the community through better health, cleaner air and a healthier environment. Together we can improve the quality of life for everyone in the Central Okanagan.

smartTRIPS is a regional partnership between the City of Kelowna, Regional District of Central Okanagan and District of West Kelowna.

Construction begins on Landfill, roadway improvements

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:30:00 PDT

Single-lane traffic in effect on Glenmore Rd.

Construction of the new entrance at the Glenmore Landfill, in addition to John Hindle Drive, is now underway.
John Hindle Drive from Glenmore Road to the new landfill entrance is a new two-lane road with a climbing lane. The construction of John Hindle Drive will serve as the first phase of the Glenmore Bypass, as shown in the 20-Year Road Network Plan.

The solid waste disposal facility improvements include four new scales, five prefabricated modular buildings, two composting toilet systems, an automated wheel wash facility and will accommodate the growth over the next 75 years.

The $9.7-million contract was awarded to CGL Contracting. Project completion is scheduled for the fall of 2013.

Alternating single-lane traffic is in effect in front of Yaletown condos on Glenmore Drive until the end of May. Visit kelowna.ca/roadreport for the latest road construction and project information.

The Glenmore Landfill is open seven days a week serving the Central Okanagan Regional District and sees more than 1,000 vehicles a day in peak season.

Work begins on Rutland Transit improvements

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:45:00 PDT

Some traffic disruptions

Alternating lane restrictions will be in effect this Thursday, April 5 on Highway 33, Froelich Road and Shepherd Road in Rutland to accommodate a geotechnical investigation before construction starts on the Rutland Transit Improvement project.

Alternating single-lane traffic will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. as crews work on Froelich Road (between Dougall Road North and McIntosh Road), Shepherd Road (between Asher Road and the east end of Shepherd Road) and Highway 33 (between Hollywood Road North and Dougall Road North). Motorists may experience minor delays and are asked to be aware of contractors controlling traffic.

Construction of the Rutland Transit Improvement project will start late this summer and is slated for completion in the fall of 2012. McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. was awarded the engineering contract and will be undertaking the work as Prime Consultant.

"These new pedestrian and transit improvements will create a strong pedestrian and transit network within the inner core of Rutland," says Andrew Albiston, Regional Projects Manager for the City of Kelowna. "The new landscaping and transit amenities will further enhance the area, lending to the revitalization of the Rutland Town Centre."

The Rutland Transit Improvement project will include an on-street transit exchange on Shepherd Road and will feature new sidewalks, street lighting, landscaping, and traffic calming measures. These improvements are the first step in enhancing the Rutland town centre with attractive, transit-oriented amenities.

This $3.7 million project is funded with $1.4 million from the Federal Gas Tax, $1.1 million from the Province of British Columbia and $1.2 million from the City of Kelowna in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and BC Transit.

For information on Rutland Transit Improvements, visit kelowna.ca/cityprojects or subscribe online for e-updates.

Visit kelowna.ca/roadreport for the most up to date road construction and potential delays.

Help make it a clean sweep

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:00:00 PDT

City crews to begin street sweeping March 26

As the City shifts from clearing snow to sweeping Kelowna roads, crews are asking residents for help to get the work done properly. City of Kelowna crews will begin the spring sweep Monday, March 26 and work should be completed by the end of April.

"The spring sweep is particularly important to remove sand and dirt left on roads over the winter," says Stephen Bryans, Roadways Operations Supervisor. "We'll do this sweep and then one more later in the year. We'll also do eight additional sweeps of the bike lanes."

To make the most of the spring sweep, residents are asked to keep their vehicles and basketball hoops off streets wherever possible, so that sweepers can fully clean the street in one pass. If it rains, sweeping is postponed until road conditions dry out.

"Road signs will be set up in each neigbourhood to let residents know the street sweepers are coming and to give people time to move their vehicles," said Bryans. "Your cooperation makes a big difference."

The City is committed to quality customer service and the safety of our residents. Together with hired contractors, City crews rid the streets of sand, keeping streets safe for motorists and cyclists. Sweepers will be operating 20 hours a day cleaning a total of 1,600 kilometers of road, including bike lanes.

Visit kelowna.ca/transportation for more information.

City begins annual water main flushing

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:15:00 PDT

Work expected to be complete by late October

The City of Kelowna's water utility crews have begun their annual program of flushing our city's water mains. Work is expected to be complete by the end of October.

While there should be no interruption in service, customers may experience temporary lower than normal water pressure and possibly discoloured water for short periods of time. If discoloration is noticed, run the cold water tap until the water is clear.

"During this period, residents are asked to watch for flushing trucks in their neighbourhood and for best results, wash laundry after flushing is done for the day," says Mike Murrell, Utilities Supervisor.

During the next few weeks, flushing will occur between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the following areas:

March 16 - 23: Timberline Road to Swick Road, including Rimrock Court and Rimrock Road

March 23 - April 6: Dilworth Drive to Silver Place between Summit Drive and Monashee Place

"Water main flushing is an important part of good water utility management. Water mains accumulate sediment over time and flushing helps to decrease these deposits and offer our community the best water quality possible," says Murrell.

Visit kelowna.ca/utilities

Road load restrictions lifted - for now

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:15:00 PDT

Traffic Advisory

Transport load restrictions on city streets in effect since March 7 will be lifted as of March 15 until further notice.

Load restrictions at 70 per cent Legal Axle Loading were in place due to thawing conditions. The restrictions limit loading weights to minimize damage to local roads.

Colder temperatures have firmed up roadways and removed the immediate need to restrict loads. However, load restrictions may come into effect with the return of warmer temperatures.

Stay up to date with latest news about transportation at kelowna.ca/transportation.

Transportation load restrictions in effect

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:45:00 PDT

Traffic Advisory

Load restrictions at 70 per cent Legal Axle Loading will come into effect March 7 at 12:01 a.m. until further notice for all vehicles that carry loads on city streets.

The sudden change of weather conditions has prompted this restriction to limit the loading, which minimizes damage to roadways.

City snow removal forces ready for winter

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:45:00 PDT

Lend a hand by removing vehicles from the road

The forecast calls for more snow in the days ahead and the City of Kelowna's snow removal and sanding crews are well prepared to tackle the white stuff.

"Once the snow begins to fall, our crews are out working hard to ensure that city streets are safe and passable for residents and safety vehicles," says Stephen Bryans, Roadways Operations Supervisor. "We urge Kelowna residents to remove parked cars from the streets so we can more easily get through and clear the way for everyone. If people can move their cars before the snow lands on the ground, that's even better; our crews work begin work before most people are thinking about getting up for the day."

Kelowna streets are cleared on a priority basis. Priority 1 includes arterial roads such as Gordon Drive. Priority 2 is classified as collector roads, such as Richter Street, bus routes, school zones, town centres and emergency vehicle stations. Priority 3 includes local roads within neighbourhoods and Priority 4 includes laneways.

Residents are legally responsible for removing snow and ice from driveways and sidewalks along their property.

"We're asking everyone to keep their sidewalks clear and safe for everyone," says Bryans, "and to lend a hand for those who might be less able."

For regular inquiries and emergency plowing or sanding after regular business hours, please call 250-469-8600, option 1. For more information about snow removal, to download the Snow Removal Priorities Map and view Snow Safety Tips, visit kelowna.ca/transportation.

Sutherland Avenue pathway complete

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:30:00 PDT

Off-road pathway from Burtch Rd to downtown now open

The construction of the multi-use pathway on Sutherland Avenue from the Dayton Street Overpass to Burtch Road is now complete.

The $750,000 project included a 360-metre long, four-metre wide paved pathway, concrete curb and gutter, treated boulevards and crosswalks, intersection nodes, attractive landscaping and plaza.

This new connection will provide cyclists and pedestrians a continuous paved off-road pathway from Burtch Road to downtown.

Visit kelowna.ca/transportation to learn more about how the City of Kelowna is connecting town centres and promoting active transportation.

Knox Mountain Drive reopens to vehicle traffic

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:15:00 PDT

Traffic Advisory

The through Knox Mountain Park has reopened to vehicle traffic.

The City of Kelowna closed Knox Mountain Drive on Sept. 7 due to dry conditions and the fire threat posed by motor vehicles. The change in weather conditions has reduced the fire risk and allowed the road to reopen.

Tires, feet reclaim Kelowna streets

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:00:00 PDT

September 25

For the seventh year in a row, pedestrians and cyclists will reclaim Water Street on Car Free Day, Sunday, September 25.

"Bring the whole family for an afternoon of free live music, bike and skateboard demos, fitness activities, interactive booths, bike valet station, rock climbing and much more," says Mike Kittmer, Active Transportation Coordinator with the City of Kelowna's Regional Services. "It's a great opportunity for all generations to walk, bus or roll down and have some fun in the fresh air, while getting a taste for what a more �people-focused' downtown could feel like."

The car-free festival zone at Stuart Park and along Water Street, will see a road closure of Water Street between Queensway and Doyle Avenues. Car Free Day activities run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and festival goers can download a complimentary transit pass to get to the event at i-Go.ca.

This free community event celebrates International Car Free Day and promotes clean air, safe streets and healthy transportation choices. If citizens in the Central Okanagan walked, biked, skateboarded, rollerbladed or took transit just one day a week, transportation emissions could be reduced by 20 per cent, all while being more involved in the community.

International Car Free Day is celebrated by more than 100 million people in over 1,500 cities around the world. Many of these cities have created vibrant permanent car-free zones in their core areas, which have led to an increase in cycling and walking for transportation. In the Central Okanagan, air pollution caused by vehicles is a growing concern, particularly since our region has the highest number of vehicles per person in British Columbia.

For more information on Car Free Day, healthier transportation choices, road closures and to download a free transit pass for the day, visit i-Go.ca.

Enterprise road closure for memorial ceremony

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:15:00 PDT

Traffic Advisory

Beginning Sunday, September 11, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Enterprise Way will be closed to thru traffic between Dilworth Drive and Leckie Road. The Kelowna Fire Department will conduct a monument dedication and parade as part of the 9/11 memorial ceremony.

Traffic personnel will be onsite directing motorists during the closure. Alternate routes are encouraged to avoid delays.

During the road closure Transit Routes No. 4, 9 and 10 will be rerouted via Highway 97 and select stops will be closed between Cooper and Leckie Roads. See www.bctransit.com for schedule information.

Visit Kelowna.ca/roadreport for the most up to date road closures and potential delays.

Fire risk closes Knox Mountain Park to vehicles

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:30:00 PDT

Accessible by pedestrians and cyclists

The elevated risk of brush fire has closed Knox Mountain Park to all motorized vehicles.

The City of Kelowna has closed Knox Mountain Road due to dry conditions and the fire threat posed by motor vehicles. The no-smoking bylaw for this natural terrain park will also be strictly enforced.

"We want to limit the risk of accidental fire," says Blair Stewart, Urban Forestry Supervisor. "Conditions are extremely dry right now and we want to make park users aware of the risks, particularly about smoking and the possibility of fire from vehicles accessing the park."

Pedestrians and cyclists can still access the park and are urged to be alert to potential fire risks.

Construction of Sutherland pathway underway

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:30:00 PDT

Mid-November completion

Construction of an off-road multi-use pathway has started on Sutherland Avenue from Harvey Avenue to Burtch Road. The 360-metre long, four-metre wide paved pathway will connect the Dayton Street overpass to the north side of Sutherland Avenue and the cycling network at Burtch Road.

During construction, parking will be restricted within the project limits and will be permanently removed on both the north and south sides of Sutherland Avenue once the pathway is completed by mid-November. The $750,000 project includes concrete curb and gutter, treated boulevards and crosswalks, intersection nodes, a landscaped plaza and ornamental street lighting. The contract was awarded to Ansell Construction; Urban Systems Ltd. is the Engineering Consultant.

Visit kelowna.ca/roadreport for the most up-to-date road closures and potential delays.

Fall BC Transit service changes in Kelowna

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:45:00 PDT

Pick up a new Rider's Guide

Effective Sunday, September 4, 2011, BC Transit customers in Kelowna will see a number of minor service changes for fall.

For detailed transit information, customers can visit www.bctransit.com or pick up a new Rider's Guide on board.

Funding for the Kelowna Regional Transit System is cost shared between the City of Kelowna, District of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, Central Okanagan Regional District and BC Transit. Decisions about fares, routes and service levels are made by City and District Councils and the Regional District Board based on information and planning provided by BC Transit.

New traffic signal on Lakeshore Road

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:45:00 PDT

Safe access to multi-use pathway

On Thursday, July 21 a new traffic signal will be activated on Lakeshore Road at Barrera Road to allow for safe access to the new multi-use pathways.

The new signal was part of the Casorso-Barrera multi-use pathway project.

Visit kelowna.ca/roadreport for the most up-to-date road closures and potential delays.

New pedestrian signals on Cawston Avenue

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 09:30:00 PDT

Effectively immediately

Effectively immediately, two new pedestrian signals will be activated along Cawston Avenue at Richter Street and Gordon Drive and a pedestrian warning light on Ethel Street to accommodate Cawston Avenue pathway users.

The pedestrian crossing on Gordon Drive at Wilson Street will be deactivated.

The City of Kelowna thanks residents, businesses and cyclists for their patience.

Visit kelowna.ca/roadreport for up to date road closures and potential delays.

Road closures for 2011 Midsummer 8K run

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:15:00 PDT

Sunday, July 10

On Sunday, July 10 approximately 110 participants are expected to take part in the annual Midsummer 8K Running Race.

The race starts and ends at Mission Recreation Park on Lexington Road and will take place between 8 - 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. Prior to the start, Lexington Road will be closed for 15 minutes for race marshalling. Participants will be racing along Lexington Drive, Lakeshore Road, McClure Road and Gordon Drive. The runners will be given right of way during the race.

While these roads remain open, traffic delays are to be expected. Motorists are asked to yield to participants and to obey traffic control flaggers along the route.

Visit kelowna.ca/roadreport for the most up to date road closures and potential delays.

City Park parking lot closed for Relay for Life

Tue, 31 May 2011 12:00:00 PDT

Partial closure Sat, June 4 to Sun, June 5

A partial closure of the City Park parking lot will be in effect 8 a.m. Saturday, June 4, to accommodate the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

This 12-hour overnight relay event will end at 6 a.m. on Sunday, June 5, and City Park will be fully open to the public at 7 a.m.

Visit kelowna.ca/roadreport for information on the most up-to-date roadwork, road closures and potential delays.