OSOYOOS TIMES-November 25, 2009 By Paul Everest
The federal and provincial governments have pledged $8 million towards the construction of passing lanes on Hwy. 97 just north of Osoyoos.
Boundary-Similkameen MLA John Slater said on Nov. 20 that northbound and southbound passing lanes will be built two kilometres north of town on a stretch of the highway between the area commonly known as “Graveyard Hill” and Dead Man’s Lake.
“People that work between Oliver and Osoyoos are really going to appreciate this,” Slater said, adding the province had purchased the right-of-ways necessary for the construction of the passing lanes long ago.
He also said that, in addition to the passing lanes, the stretch of road will be upgraded and straightened.
An adjacent access road will also be built in the area where the passing lanes will be located so that fruit stands that normally operate on that stretch of highway will be able to stay open, Slater said.
The passing lane project is going ahead, he said, because of a “safety issue” regarding traffic concerns such as slow drivers and congestion along Hwy. 97 between Osoyoos and Oliver.
“It’s going to take away some of the anxiety,” he said. “When people are in long (traffic) lineups, they get anxious and do stupid things.”
During this spring’s provincial election campaign, Slater did address the frustration many local drivers share, especially in the summer, when they don’t have the ability to pass motorists not travelling at the posted speed limit along the highway.
He has often said that the average driver travels at a speed of 67 km/h on the highway and “some people just can’t stand it.”
The money for the project comes from federal and provincial infrastructure programs and Slater said both levels of government will contribute equally to the effort.
Two other projects were also included in the Nov. 20 funding announcement from Slater and Okanagan-Coquihalla MP Stockwell Day including $6 million for shoulder widening and rock-fall hazard reduction on Hwy. 3A near Yellow Lake and $6.5 million to construct a westbound passing lane on Hwy. 3A near Nelson.
Slater said he is meeting with B.C. Transportation Minister Shirley Bond this week to discuss when tenders and requests for expressions of interest will be issued for the projects.
He added that he hopes the construction projects will help get local contractors working.
“With the economy the way it is, we’re trying to stimulate things,” he said. “It puts people back to work.”
Construction on the passing lane project will likely begin in 2010, Slater said.
A media release issued by the federal and provincial governments stated that this trio of projects is part of 27 projects across B.C. that are being funded through $180 million in joint federal and provincial cash.
news@osoyoostimes.com