Motorists may have a second way to get across Okanagan Lake in less than a decade.
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone said the second crossing project is currently in its second phase of planning.
“A project of this size typically takes about a decade from beginning to end,” said Stone.
“We’re a year or two into that. So, theoretically, we could see a second crossing in another eight years or so.”
Phase two is currently focusing on what a new crossing will look like, where it will be located and what extent of additional road work will be required on either side of the lake, according to Stone.
“There’s a lot of talk about to what extent do we do road work on either side of a second crossing.
“Is it just a bridge? Or is it a bypass around West Kelowna that bypasses Peachland as well?”
Stone said the next nine to 12 months will focus on community consultation to form a better idea of what the second crossing should look like.
“Once you’ve nailed that down, then you move into phase three, which is really the funding phase…but we’re a long ways out from that.”
Stone was in West Kelowna Thursday morning for a breakfast meeting with the Greater Westside Board of Trade.
He confirmed conversations have taken place regarding the possibility of an additional overpass at the intersection of Highway 97 and Boucherie Road; however, he said no final decision has been made at this point.
He also told members ministry staff is currently working on the creation of a new 10-year transportation plan.
“It will cover all facets of transportation…we will be launching the new plan on this side of Christmas.”
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
Twitter: @PatersonWade
