Traffic Stoppage on Highway 97 Near Penticton: Community Outrage and Key Concerns

Residents of South Okanagan are frustrated with ongoing traffic troubles on Highway 97. They are asking for help from provincial leaders to address these issues, especially during construction periods.

Recently, roadwork between Penticton and Summerland caused significant delays. On March 31, drivers were warning each other to leave up to 90 minutes early to avoid heavy traffic, especially during peak morning hours. By later in the day, congestion stretched from Sage Mesa Drive to Trout Creek in Summerland, leaving many stuck in long lines.

Tim Keilty, a Summerland resident, wrote to MLA Amelia Boultbee, questioning why the construction wasn’t scheduled for nighttime when traffic is lighter. He argued that working at night would mitigate not only economic losses but also environmental damage caused by traffic delays.

Boultbee responded by assuring residents she is collaborating with the Ministry of Transportation to find a solution. “We’ve reached out to the transport minister for an urgent conversation about this pressing issue,” she stated.

The construction project near Penticton, which started on March 17 and is set to end on April 4, has resulted in lane closures and frustrating delays. This stretch of Highway 97 has a history of issues. In August 2023, a rockslide caused further closures, echoing problems from previous years, with significant slides occurring in 2008, 2014, and 2019, each leading to lengthy detours.

Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes expressed the community’s dire need for a reliable route, saying, “It’s our lifeline. We’re so dependent on it for everything.” He, along with other mayors in the Okanagan, is advocating for an alternate route to ease the burden on Highway 97.

Conservative MLAs are also calling for government action. Banghu, an MLA for Langley-Abbotsford, pointed out that the freeway sees over 20,000 vehicles daily. “Constant disruptions have tired Okanagan residents,” noted Macklin McCall, an MLA for West Kelowna-Peachland. “We believe that with proper leadership, Highway 97 can remain safe and reliable.”

During past emergencies, alternative routes have been suggested, such as the 201 Forest Service Road. However, local search and rescue teams caution against using it, as these paths are poorly maintained and can be risky.

With the ongoing issues, it’s clear that action is needed to ensure that Highway 97 can efficiently support the South Okanagan’s residents now and in the future.

For more detailed insights, you can read about traffic management strategies from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

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