Highway 97 at Leckie Road, not showing new improvements. (Photo credit: Google)

By Liam Verster

Safer Turn Lanes

Turn lanes improved at Highway 97 and Leckie Rd. in Kelowna

Oct 3, 2022 | 4:45 PM

Turning lanes off Highway 97 onto Leckie Road have been enhanced.

From July though September, crews installed dual left-turn lanes for southbound traffic and a smart right turn lane for traffic heading north on Highway 97.

“These safety and functional improvements were completed to allow the community to move easier through one of the busiest areas of Kelowna,” said Brian Beach, Infrastructure Delivery Department Manager.

“We worked with the contractor to have construction and paving occur during the night and off-peak hours to minimize disruptions to residents’ daily commutes; roads were reopened each morning and businesses were accessed as usual during the day.”  

The left-turn lanes are intended to add southbound capacity and improve safety at the intersection that leads to the Canadian Tire and down to Springfield Rd.

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The smart right turn lane is intended to increase safety for travelers turning across a new Active Transportation Corridor extension. The turn introduces a raised concrete apron for trucks to make wide turns while regular vehicle traffic can approach more perpendicular to the highway with safer sight lines.

The City of Kelowna conducted intersection improvement project was done in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Costco Development.

“Capital projects such as this are an important part of ensuring Kelowna has vibrant urban centres, a balanced transportation network and an inclusive community,” said Beach.

“We are appreciative to have worked with the Costco Development and Ministry to help us successfully complete this important project.”