Busy Kelowna road set to re-open after half-year closure

It’s been closed since the beginning of June but a busy section of Ethel Street near downtown Kelowna is about to re-open.

Ethel Street between Harvey and Sutherland Avenues closed on June 5 as part of the third phase of the Ethel Street Active Transportation Corridor

“A major part of this project was the extension of the cycle track that starts over at Cawston Avenue and that connects to the city’s growing bike network, as well as utility improvements for Saucier Avenue,” project manager Todd DeGruchy said. “Cycling and other kinds of active transportation are becoming increasingly popular and these improvements make the street safer for everyone, including motorists.”

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The $2.5-million project includes separated cycle tracks on both sides of the road, new sidewalks, LED street lighting, utility improvements as well as improvements to the intersection with Harvey Avenue.

Ethel Street will reopen at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 29, along with Saucier Avenue between Richter and Ethel streets.

A project to replace aging water and sewer mains and pave Saucier Avenue between Richter and Ethel Streets has also been completed.

A concept design for an active transportation corridor along Ethel Street between Clement and Raymer avenues was developed in 2014 with public input gathered through two open houses and an online survey.

The project is being constructed in phases with a total estimated cost of $12 million.

The corridor will eventually connect with Casorso, Rose, Sutherland and Cawston Active Transportation Corridors and will run north-south between downtown and the South Pandosy Area with a number of schools, parks, health care institutions and businesses on route or nearby.

Design work for Phase 4 between Sutherland and Cadder Avenues is underway. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2018, pending budget approval.