The contract for the third section of the Lake-to-Lake Bike Route has been awarded and construction is set to begin shortly. This phase of the project will see the all ages and abilities bike route continue east on Duncan from Fairview, and south on Atkinson to Kinney. Construction is expected to be complete in the fall.
“This is the third of four sections of the bike route to be constructed, and will provide safe connections to major commercial areas on the south side of the city,” said the City’s General Manager of Infrastructure Kristen Dixon. “Not only will this project be a significant milestone for our cycling network, but it will improve pedestrian safety in the area by addressing sidewalk gaps, creating safe crossing opportunities, and reducing vehicle speeds. The project will also improve safety for all users through an upgraded intersection at Duncan and Atkinson, and overall corridor lighting improvements.”
The contract, valued at $4.1 million, has been awarded to Grizzly Excavating Ltd. who was also the successful bidder on the previous phase. Construction of this section will generally proceed north to south, beginning on Atkinson just south of Duncan. Improvements to the intersection of Atkinson and Industrial will coincide with the fish window in August, and the improvements to the intersections at Duncan and Atkinson will happen in the fall. A list of the changes along the route as well as detailed design drawings can be viewed at www.penticton.ca/lake-to-lake.
“As with all construction projects, residents, businesses and motorists can expect some disruption while this construction proceeds,” said Dixon. “We greatly appreciate your patience through construction, and encourage motorists to take an alternate route if possible.”
Throughout construction, those living, working or driving along any length of Duncan Avenue and Atkinson Street should expect to see earthworks, line marking removal, preparation for and installation of new curbing, intersection changes, traffic signal and lighting upgrades and periodic single lane traffic at crossings. Full closures and detours may also be required at times. Current information about road and detours will be available at www.penticton.ca/lake-to-lake.
In addition to the information about the Lake-to-Lake Bike Route provided on the City’s website, residents can also listen to the newest episode of the City’s PenTALKton podcast where host Dale Cory and guest Kristen Dixon discuss the community’s questions about the route. Titled “Not just for spandex bandits,” the episode and podcast can be found on popular streaming services including Spotify, Google and Apple as well as on the City’s YouTube channel.