Bird’s eye view rendering of the new intersection at 39th Avenue with the double roundabout. (Submitted image/City of Vernon)

By Pete McIntyre

Decade-long project

New north-south travel route opens in Vernon

May 5, 2021 | 4:28 PM

Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians have a new north-south travel corridor to get through Vernon.

The city has announced the completion of the 29th/30th Street Transportation Corridor which runs from Polson Park in the south, to the Village Green Shopping Centre at the north end.

It is intended to reduce pressure on 27th Street and Highway 97, and make it easier for Vernon residents to get where they need to go.

“This is a big day for our community,” Mayor Victor Cumming said. “More than a decade of careful and thoughtful planning, design and development have gone into making this critical transportation corridor possible. I am proud to see this project come to fruition. Not only will it help move residents through our community, but it will also help visitors explore Vernon more easily, and provide greater access to shopping, accommodations, and local attractions year-round.”

Ring valued at $4,000

Vernon RCMP searching for suspect in ring theft case

8h ago

Coronation Medal Winners

Prestigious award given to North Okanagan, Shuswap residents

20h ago

knife crime

Man arrested for threatening staff with knife

21h ago

The project was done in phases over a number of years, starting at the north end.

29th/30th Street transportation corridor opened May 5. (Vernon Matters photo)

The final phase began in 2019, with a new road and multi-use path being constructed through the former Civic Arena site and the development of a double roundabout intersection on 39th Avenue. The new intersection also includes an upgraded railway crossing.

“With the completion of this multi-use pathway, residents and visitors can now walk or cycle all the from the north end of town through the City Centre to Polson Park and eventually to the Okanagan Rail Trail, entirely on separated pathways,” Amanda Watson, Manager, Transportation, said.

“The addition of more multi-use pathways like this one is a testament to the City’s commitment to champion active transportation and make Vernon easier to navigate for all ages,” Cumming added.

Entering the roundabout on 39th Avenue. (Vernon Matters photo)

One final portion of the new intersection will be completed later this year, with an upgrade to the railway crossing warning system. The delay is due to supply chain issues. In the meantime, temporary modifications have been made to improve safety until the railway crossing upgrade can be completed.

“We’d like to thank our residents and businesses for their patience during this construction project, and for their participation in the planning of this new corridor,” Mark Dowhaniuk, Manager, Infrastructure, said. “The feedback we received during public consultation helped inform the design process and helped us better understand the transportation needs of our citizens. A lot of effort has gone into this change, including major underground utility works to serve our community for many years to come.”

While navigating the newly developed intersection, the public is reminded to obey the posted speed limit, signage and line painting. Cyclists are encouraged to utilize the multi-use pathways. For a refresher on navigating roundabouts, the public may wish to review ICBC’s website.

The $5.8 million project was funded jointly by the City of Vernon Development Cost Charges, Sanitary Utility Funding, Greater Vernon Water, ICBC Road Improvement Program grants ($116,900), and a Federal Gas Tax Infrastructure grant ($2.39 million).