UPDATE: 1:05 p.m.
Drive BC is reporting Highway 97 has reopened in both directions just north of Edwards Road.
The highway was closed for hours due to two-vehicle collision in which a local teenager was killed.
UPDATE: 10:30 a.m.
RCMP say an 18-year-old Lake Country resident has died in a motor vehicle crash on Highway 97 North near the University of British Columbia overpass.
Police were called around 6:30 a.m. Friday, where they found a single vehicle had collided with a semi trailer transport truck.
“Investigators are on scene, including a collision analyst, and are working to determine what events led up to the crash,” says Cpl. Meghan Foster. “Highway 97 North between Edwards Road and the University overpass has been closed in both directions and will remain closed until at least 1 p.m. this afternoon.”
Southbound traffic will continue to be diverted through Quail Ridge Boulevard and northbound traffic will be diverted through Hereron Road.
The detours have caused long delays in both directions for drivers, including those heading to the airport.
One Vernon couple heading into Kelowna says they have been sitting in the lineup for 90 minutes.
They suggest drivers take Glenmore Road to avoid the chaos.
UPDATE: 9:05 a.m.
If you are headed into Kelowna or for a flight to sunnier climes today, leave early.
Drivers report long lineups on the highway following an accident at the UBC overpass.
Slippery conditions this morning have also left a number of vehicles in ditches along the highway.
Eye witnesses tell Beach Radio News that at least four vehicles are off the road between Vernon and Lake Country, one off the road along Highway 6 and at least two separate vehicles are off the highway north of Armstrong.
Emergency vehicles are on the scene of some of those incidents.
One driver says people are driving too fast for the conditions and she asks people to slow down.
ORIGINAL STORY:
RCMP are asking drivers to use caution this morning as recent snowfall has created very slippery conditions.
There has been an accident on the north end of Kelowna at the UBC overpass.
Traffic is currently being re-routed at the airport turn off.
Witnesses say it looks as though a semi went over a barrier at the overpass.
Our newsroom will have more details as they become available this morning.
