Rail Trail section to reopen for Thanksgiving weekend

Oct 5, 2020 | 5:37 AM

The good news is the latest erosion work on the northern end of the Okanagan Rail Trail is almost done.

But before that section can reopen, a full closure will extend to the Kickwillie entrance in Coldstream.

The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) said that will allow crews to improve accessibility and enhance safety for trail users utilizing the Westkal parking lot.

Starting Monday October 5, the entrances at Kickwillie and Westkal will be inaccessible, with the entire north section (KM 0 to 12.5) reopening on Saturday October 10, in time for the Thanksgiving long weekend.

RDNO began its fall erosion mitigation project on September 21, and since the work involved excavating and rebuilding sections, a full 24/7 closure from 4 to 12.5 kilometres was necessary.

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“This work is a part of the RDNO’s long-term planning and maintenance to ensure the trail remains safe and enjoyable for years to come. Since the Okanagan Rail Trail runs alongside lakes, it is expected that erosion maintenance work will occur throughout the life of the trail,” said an RDNO news release.

Construction of the washrooms at the Kickwillie entrance to the trail will continue after the erosion project is complete, so parking will remain limited at the Kickwillie Loop and Westkal Road trail entrance. The washrooms are expected to be finished by the end of the year.

Trail users are encouraged to park at the parking lot at Coldstream Station, 16506 Kalamalka Road, throughout the washroom construction.

by Pete McIntyre

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