39th Ave. and other area roads were closed Monday as work began on the new roundabout at 39th and Pleasant Valley Rd. (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Traffic Control Measure

Construction of Vernon’s new roundabout underway

Mar 10, 2025 | 4:17 PM

Construction of a new roundabout in Vernon has begun, and the mayor said it would improve public safety at the intersection.

Crews were at the site of the new traffic control measure Monday, March 10, excavating the intersection at Pleasant Valley Road and 39th Avenue. The roads around the work site were closed to through traffic.

The new roundabout is being installed in an effort to improve traffic flow and public safety.

“These roundabouts significantly reduce the number of crashes, they move vehicles through much quicker when the volumes are low, and they’re able to handle high volumes as well,” Victor Cumming, Mayor of Vernon, told Vernon Matters.

“The other thing you need to know about roundabouts is, if there are accidents, they are far less serious and there’s far less injury, and that’s what’s critical, because it’s a glanced accident instead of a t-bone. So, it significantly lowers injuries on humans because the severity is less.

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“So, less vehicle incidents, less crashes, and less severity if they do have a crash.”

He also noted that lighting and crosswalks would be improved at the intersection, allowing for more pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Cumming acknowledged that the construction would impact area residents for a time, but in the end there will be a more efficient intersection for commuters to navigate around.

The traffic control measure project was supported by a $1.1-million contribution from the province through the Growing Communities Fund.

“Through this infrastructure improvement, we are enhancing traffic flow and road safety for both drivers and pedestrians,” Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, said in a release.

“As we work to increase housing options, we also need strong infrastructure to support growing communities. Our work with the City of Vernon is making it easier, safer, and faster for people to move around their community as they travel to work, school, and visit family and friends.”

The City of Vernon was covering the remaining $3.7-million for the project through Transportation Development Costs Charges, the Infrastructure Levy, and Sewer Reserves.

The new roundabout was scheduled to be completed by November, 2025.