The City of Penticton will soon benefit from a number of pedestrian and safety focused traffic calming projects, with construction scheduled to get underway this month.
In alignment with objectives contained in the City’s Official Community Plan, Transportation Master Plan and Community Climate Action Plan, these projects will further support walking as an alternative mode of transportation by calming traffic and enhancing pedestrian safety. Improvements that residents can expect to see include:
- Construction of a sidewalk on the north side of Churchill Avenue, between Power Street and Winnipeg Street.
- Safety improvements at the intersection of Ellis Street and Wade Avenue through upgraded lighting, sidewalk bulb-outs and the elimination of dedicated turn lanes to improve intersection and pedestrian safety.
- Construction of curb, gutter and sidewalk on both sides of Cossar Avenue.
- Construction of sidewalk bulb-outs and upgraded lighting at pedestrian crossings at Penticton and Edgewood Drive.
- Installation of overhead pedestrian signage and pedestrian activated flashers at the intersection of Naramata Road and Poplar Grove Road (KVR Trail).
- Installation of pedestrian activated rectangular rapid flashing beacons and improved lighting at Wiltse Blvd and Dartmouth Drive
- Construction of sidewalk bulb-outs and upgraded lighting at pedestrian crossings on Green Avenue, between South Main Street and Wilson Street.
“The biggest detractor to adopting higher rates of pedestrian travel comes down to local infrastructure and whether or not it’s safe for walkers to use,” said Penticton Mayor, John Vassilaki. “The changes and traffic calming solutions being introduced this year will provide a much improved sense of pedestrian protection when travelling by foot along these routes, resulting in more people taking steps to get out of their cars and adopt walking as a viable option for getting around town.”
For each project, residents, business and motorists will experience - either regularly or from time to time - traffic and access disruptions. Notification of all access disruptions will be hand delivered by H&M Excavating Ltd. to any affected dwelling, 48 hours prior to any planned work.
“The City will take steps to avoid unscheduled emergency disruptions of utility services or property accesses, however work of this nature can cause unplanned disruptions. If these occur, we will take all steps necessary to provide prompt information to all affected parties and restore services and accesses as quickly as possible,” said the City’s Engineer, Jonathan Chu.
The estimated construction start date is April 11, with most work being completed this summer. Residents are advised that the contractor’s construction schedule may be revised due to delays from weather, unforeseen underground conditions and material deliveries.
Whenever possible, all travelling public are advised to avoid these areas. If in the area, please observe and obey all traffic control persons and information signage.