The pedestrian bridge crossing Penticton Creek at Norton Street and Wade Avenue East is now closed and is expected to be removed on Monday, July 17, to make it possible for crews to complete creek restoration work.
Also, the walkway along the creek between Nanaimo Avenue and Government Street will have limited access or complete closure during this construction period, which is due to wrap up in the fall. Once work is complete, the pedestrian bridge and pathway will reopen to the public.
Anyone passing through this area is asked to obey the signage and anticipate detours. The nearest locations to cross the creek include the Ellis Street Bridge or the KVR footbridge near Eckhardt Avenue E.
Government Street and Wade Avenue will be closed to the public on Monday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. to allow for crews and equipment to safely remove the pedestrian bridge. Motorists will be detoured along Van Horne Street and White Ave East.
More than two-thirds of the scheduled work on the Penticton Creek restoration project above Nanaimo Avenue was completed last year, with the remainder of in-creek work ready to begin. Crews must work within a tight timeframe outside of the fish spawning period, between July 15 and Aug. 31.
Also, traffic and pedestrian safety improvements are being added along Ellis Street and Government Street, with a new three-way stop being installed at Ellis Street and Westminster Avenue, and a pedestrian crossing at Government Street and Wade Ave East. Anyone passing through this area should watch for new traffic changes in the near future and be aware of the posted speed limits.
A summary of the project to naturalize Penticton Creek and preserve the flood protection qualities can be found at penticton.ca/restore-penticton-creek.