A major upgrade to Lodge Road in Lake Country has been completed ahead of schedule, improving safety, accessibility, and connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
The $2.8-million project, which began in March, was part of the district’s Mobility Improvement Program. The upgrades include new sidewalks, curb and gutter, road resurfacing, drainage improvements, transit stop upgrades, and a redesigned intersection at Sherman Drive.
A section of the Okanagan Rail Trail was paved between Woodsdale Road and Quail Trail, creating an all-season active transportation link between Woodsdale and the town centre.
“By leveraging the Okanagan Rail Trail as a parallel active transportation route, this project addresses critical infrastructure gaps while maintaining safe and efficient travel options in the constrained Lodge Road corridor,” Mayor Blair Ireland said in a statement.
The urgent need for roadway renewal further justified accelerating the project, the mayor added.
Matthew Salmon, Lake Country’s Director of Infrastructure and Development Engineering, said that safety was a key priority.
“The Sherman Drive/Lodge Road intersection was also realigned to enhance pedestrian visibility, and pedestrian-activated beacons were installed at crossings on Lodge Road to add to the safety aspects of this well-used corridor.
Lake Country received $500,000 in provincial funding through the B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program. The rest of the project was funded by the district through its Road Reserve, Gas Tax and development cost charge (DCC) funds.
“This is a great example of what’s possible when all levels of government work together,” Mike Farnworth, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Transit, said.
