Close Road…Or Not?

Vernon council will discuss what to do with a road upgrade on Kalamalka Lake Road at Monday’s meeting.

City staff say a full road closure is needed between Browne Road and the Alpine Centre for 12 to 16 weeks to keep the $2.8 million project to add a multi use path on schedule and on budget.

“The work required in the closure area includes storm sewer construction, embankment excavation, path and road reconstruction,” says Amanda Watson, Transportation Manager, in a report to council.

“During the closure, access to residential properties will be maintained, but not for through traffic.”

However, the city has received 18 requests to proceed without fully closing the road, and also a 46 page petition with further requests.

Watson says having single lane alternating traffic would create waits of 8 to 20 minutes, and extend the construction period to 20 to 24 weeks, taking the completion date into November.

She also says the cost would increase by an estimated $279,500.

Reps from the Alpine Centre, which has 41 businesses, proposed the work could take place 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the full closure to reduce the construction period.

“Administration does not support this request due to the impact it would have on local residents and the effect it will have on the tendering process,” writes Watson.

Watson says detour routes on College Way, Middleton Way, and Aberdeen Road offer similar travel times to those on Kalamalka Road.