Detour signs will be left up a month longer than expected in Westbank Centre as construction to the community’s new downtown RapidBus exchange has been delayed.
Elliott Road, which has been closed for construction since late February, is expected to re-open Aug. 11.
That work was initially anticipated to be substantially completed by early July.
“That’s as a result of us really waiting for BC Hydro to tell us to get all of their above wire work, underground,” said Rory Kulmala, manager of fixed asset construction with BC Transit.
Kulmala was at the District of West Kelowna’s council meeting Tuesday, giving an update on transit construction.
“When (BC Hydro) gets engaged, it’s kind of: You wait for them.”
Coun. David Knowles said he was frustrated to hear Elliott Road would be blocked for an additional month.
“That’s a lot of hardship to those businesses there,” said Knowles.
“And to all the local people who have to drive around that way.”
Knowles said more pressure should have been put on BC Hydro to ensure the work was done on time.
The construction delay is not expected to impact the scheduled RapidBus phase two start date of Aug. 31, which will include the opening of Westbank Centre Exchange, Boucherie Mountain Exchange and Butt Road station.
Eventually, West Kelowna’s direct service to downtown Kelowna via Routes 20 and 24 will be discontinued. Riders on those routes will have to transfer to the RapidBus lines to get across the bridge.
Construction on Boucherie Mountain Exchange and Butt Road station is expected to be completed by July 28.
Motorists are asked to continue to use Hebert Road, Old Okanagan Highway or Brown Road to avoid the closed section of Elliott Road.
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
Twitter: @PatersonWade
