Department of Transportation gives approval for protected turn lane at intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 3A in Kaleden – Penticton News

Casey Richardson

UPDATE: 4:35 p.m.

After speaking with a project team to review options for the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 3A near Kaleden, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has approved a protected turn lane for the region.

In a statement from MOTI, they explained that lane has proven to be the best option for safety and constructability.

Following the atmospheric river event in November, this intersection saw a significant increase in traffic related to the closure of Highway 5. The ministry began a review after residents and local politicians raised awareness of the issues current traffic.

“The project team is advancing the detailed design of this improvement, during which consultation with key stakeholders will take place, including local emergency services and first responders. The ministry has begun consultations with the Penticton Indian Band,” MOTI said.

“Excellent news from MOTI for the junction of 3A and 97,” said Subrina Monteith, Kaleden Regional Manager.

The pathway will be subject to final funding approval and the results of engagement and consultation, but construction on the upgrade could take place as early as this summer.

“I am truly delighted that the department has been nimble and responsive to concerns raised by the community, especially given what they have navigated across the province over the past two months,” added the MP for Boundary Similkameen. , Roy Russell.

ORIGINAL: 4 a.m.

Nearly 4,000 people have signed a petition demanding road safety improvements for the intersection of Highway 97 at 3A to Keremeos, and the exit to Kaleden, which saw two major crashes rumble through traffic on Monday and another on Tuesday.

Residents have long expressed concern about the road from Penticton to Okanagan Falls, but felt an increase in accidents when the highway became one of the main routes connecting the interior to the Lower Mainland.

Kaleden Regional Manager Subrina Monteith has been trying to get action from the Department for Transport and is seeing this come to fruition working alongside Similkameen Boundary MP Roly Russell.

“People don’t feel safe driving on this side of the highway. There are many, many close calls and people feel there needs to be change. It’s time for sections of Highway 97 and the junction of Highway 3A to be addressed,” Monteith said.

Russell’s experience with Community Conversation was similar, seeing several spots along this relatively short stretch of highway where people felt unsafe.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that it’s a big deal in this area.”

MOTI explained how it is working to find a solution for the area, whether temporary or permanent, during a meeting with the Okanagan Similkameen Regional District in December. The ministry has had its hands full over the past few months repairing BC’s major highways after flooding in November.

Counts have been implemented along Highway 97, as well as studies of options to improve intersection safety.

“MOTI has agreed to expedite the kind of study of long-term solutions for this stretch and we’ve been in pretty close contact for months now to be honest,” Russell explained. “Things are moving forward and I feel optimistic and confident that MOTI recognizes the urgency to see longer-term, permanent improvements on this stretch.”

“I understand they did a study, they monitored traffic levels, which is great, especially now that Highway 3 has reopened, but there’s still a lot of traffic year-round. So making sure he is safe is for sure a priority,” added Monteith.

Some suggestions garnering community support are to create a southbound fast lane in a left-turn-only lane along the stretch, as well as lower speeds.

Monteith stressed that these changes must happen immediately.

“We have to make sure that we are safe all year round, especially since this region is very touristy. We get a lot of motorhomes and tourists who don’t know the roads, but if you add locals in a hurry to get to work, we’re preparing for disaster.

Both representatives believe that MOTI hears their concerns and will meet on Friday to discuss the changes.

“So there’s been a lot of good conversations, but now it’s time to get together and make sure we’re all headed in the right direction with this change.”