It was once given the dubious distinction of the worst road in the province, now more safety improvements are coming to Westside Road in West Kelowna.
The windy road along the west shore of Okanagan Lake between West Kelowna and Vernon has been notorious for accidents, leading voters to select the route in BCAA’s Worst Roads survey in 2013.
Now more upgrades are slated for a narrow section of Westside Road from La Casa Resort to Muir Road.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said in a release that safety and traffic flow will be improved by widening the road and adding roadside barriers.
“People have been waiting a long time for improvements to Westside Road along Okanagan Lake. Widening the road and adding guardrails will make travel safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable for everyone,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“This narrow stretch sees more than 1,000 vehicles every day, as well as numerous cyclists and pedestrians, who will benefit from a safer roadway once construction has been completed.”
The project will take place about 30 kilometres north of the Highway 97 intersection, on a part of Westside Road that features steep rock bluffs on one side and 20-50 metre embankments down to Okanagan Lake on the other.
Work will include 1.3 kilometres of lane widening and straightening to improve sight lines and visibility, installation of guardrails to reduce the potential for vehicles leaving the highway and a paved shoulder to create more room for cyclists and pedestrians.
The project will also include slope-stabilization works, and crossing improvements at the intersection of Westside Road and Barcelona Drive.
BD Hall Constructors Corp, from Surrey, was awarded the $5.7 million contract for the project.
It is expected to be completed December 2018.
WATCH BELOW: #1 dangerous drive
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