Traffic bottleneck target of funding

Published: April 07, 2009 7:00 PM By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

A major headache for Vernon motorists could become a little easier to navigate. The federal government is pumping $2.5 million into improvements at 25th Avenue and 32nd Street. “It was on the top of our wish list,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert. “It’s the busiest intersection in terms of traffic.” Besides local traffic, the intersection is heavily used by motorists passing through town on 32nd Street (Highway 97) or trying to access Highway 6 from 25th Avenue. The city has acquired the right-of-way needed for the road widening and it has also budgeted $500,000 towards the work. “It’s a good project and it will really help move traffic,” said Lippert. Timelines for construction have not been established yet, but once completed, there will be six lanes of traffic, including two left-turn lanes on the south side of 25th Avenue. There will also be enhanced access to Polson Park and the Fruit Union Plaza. “It will improve traffic flow and safety,” said Lippert.

Some design work has already been done, and Lippert admits some land from Polson Park will be lost, but the additional lanes will largely be accommodated by moving the sidewalks over. Like many people, MP Colin Mayes has attempted to get through the intersection with some difficulties. That’s why he is pleased with the influx of federal cash. The federal government provided the funding to the provincial government and Victoria determined where the money should be allocated. “The B.C. government has been working with the Government of Canada to get these dollars flowing into communities across the province. These initiatives will improve travel and safety conditions and increase transportation efficiency on a number of highways across B.C.,” said Kevin Falcon, B.C. transportation manager, in a release. Along with easing traffic congestion, it’s also hoped that the project will stimulate the North Okanagan economy.

“We’ve taken a hit with the glass plant closing and Bigfoot cost jobs,” said Mayes. “This is a good investment so jobs are created.” Lippert is confident that the intersection upgrade will lead to many economic spin-offs. “A smaller project like this gets local people working,” he said. Along with Vernon, Mayes has announced funding for other highway initiatives throughout Okanagan-Shuswap. A total of $5 million is going towards an intersection upgrade on Highway 97A in Enderby while there will be $3 million in asphalt resurfacing of Highway 97, from Lines to Pineus roads, in Falkland.