Approximately 3,000 cubic kilograms of rock fell onto Highway 97C north of Summerland (photo courtesy of the B.C. Government)

By Liam Verster

Okanagan travel

Alternate routes open between Kelowna and Penticton following landslide

Aug 31, 2023 | 5:07 PM

Alternate routes have opened for people driving between the Central and South Okanagan.

Highway 97 was closed north of Summerland following a landslide Monday, August 28, and no firm timeline has been established as to when the road would be cleared.

As the highway is still blocked, the 201 Forest Service Road has opened for people travelling between Kelowna and Penticton.

The road can be accessed off Highway 33 near McColloch Rd. southwest of Kelowna, and via Warren/Carmi Avenues in Penticton. This route takes 60 to 90 minutes more than the highway route would.

Also now open, motorists going between Summerland and Peachland can use the Trout Main to Peachland Forest Service Road, which also adds an additional 90 minutes to travel time compared to the highway route.

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Both these routes have been graded and signs have been installed by provincial staff and contractors, with the province noted road maintenance will continue to ensure the safety of travellers. Temporary lighting and washrooms are also being installed along the routes.

These routes will be open to both passenger vehicle traffic and light commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 14,600 kilograms.

The province noted the forest service roads are not up to normal highway standards and people who travel on these routes should drive with caution, be prepared for slow traffic, be fueled up, and bring extra supplies.

Though the alternate routes will be open for public use, motorists are still encouraged to use Highways 97C, 5A or 33 to travel up and down the Okanagan.

The province noted approximately 3,000 cubic metres of rock came down on Highway 97C during the landslide Tuesday, and while geotechnical engineers have been tasked with assessing the site, there was no timeline for when the road would be ready to reopen.

The province advises people check road conditions and route information at DriveBC before hitting the road.