Originally Posted by SOSS (Post 7421865)

The new McKenzie interchange will be built as a partial cloverleaf reflecting the preferred option of 75% of those who participated in the public consultation, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone announced today. This design is also the safest, most efficient option and best meets the long-term needs of this region.

“I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to let us know their thoughts on the McKenzie interchange project, as this input is fundamental to ensuring the interchange meets the needs of those who will be using it,” said Stone. “We heard overwhelming support for the partial cloverleaf design, supported by the team’s ongoing technical analysis, and now our work continues in discussing further details with stakeholder groups and the public as we finalize the design.”

Technical analysis shows that the partial cloverleaf will operate more safely and efficiently than other option – the diamond interchange. The partial cloverleaf reduces the chances of collisions and, as such, is expected to provide $4 million in additional safety benefits over the other options in just the first 20 years. As well, with no stop lights for vehicles turning left onto McKenzie, travel will be more efficient for traffic now and for expected traffic volume in the future.

The design also improves access for cyclists, pedestrians and transit users, making travel better for transit users and safer for cyclists and pedestrians. It provides a separated route for a wider Galloping Goose Trail with a new path over the highway and McKenzie Avenue, avoiding the lights and vehicle traffic. The project will also include bus lanes, transit priority signals, and improved connections to bus stops.

"Saanich's interest in this project has always been to ensure that the preferred option addresses the long-term needs of our community," said Saanich Mayor Richard Atwell. "We look forward to continuing our work with the Province of B.C. on this important transportation initiative."

The ministry recognizes that the partial cloverleaf has a larger footprint on the surrounding area affecting Cuthbert Holmes Park. It remains committed to developing the project in an environmentally responsible way and in the best interest of residents. As the project moves forward, staff will continue to work closely with stakeholders, including the District of Saanich, community associations and park stewards in preparing a comprehensive plan to mitigate the impact on the environment, and ensure there is no net loss of park land.

Meetings will also continue with stakeholder groups to develop the remaining details around cycling and pedestrian connections and noise mitigation strategies. The ministry will showcase the final plan at a third open house scheduled for May 18, 2016, from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Parish Hall, 753 Burnside Road West.

Construction is slated to begin this fall.

Link

Originally Posted by 240glt (Post 7444781)

They're still working on those bridges ? Wow.

Thanks for the tips.

Originally Posted by vernr (Post 7481350)

My skepticism says the federal government is involved, takes forever. But perhaps they are just slow because they are being very careful not to get any debris in the river.

BC has announced a bit more 3 laning around Vinsulla (north of Kamloops).
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016TRAN0136-001038

Originally Posted by lubicon (Post 7502411)

If the Province would finish up the Kicking Horse canyon twinning they should carry on and twin the highway west from Golden. That would be relatively cheap to do as the road essentially follows the Columbia River for the first portion and really would not present too many challenges even as far as east boundary of Glacier National Park.

Originally Posted by Metro-One (Post 7546006)

Not construction, but a video:

So during my trip in Canada this month, I had to go to the Okanagan Valley. Here is a video I captured descending into and through Osoyoos via the #3 before continuing north along the 97. The decent into Osoyoos is maybe my favorite section of road in Canada. Sorry if it is a little shaky, the pavement needs a little TLC ;)

• Video Link

Originally Posted by craner (Post 7560624)

Has the Kicking Horse Canyon project been totally abandoned ?

Originally Posted by Stingray2004 (Post 7560678)

Hey. Great Vid! Since I was a teen, and EVERY time since then, when in Osoyoos... have always climbed Anarchist Mtn. to the "look-out". Best view in Canada.

That said, Keremeos to Osoyoos via BC-3 heading eastward toward Osoyoos... has always been my fave BC cruise. Once around Richter Pass... one sees the valley below, the lake, and the distant orchards while descending.

The best.

Originally Posted by Stingray2004 (Post 7560679)

Nada. All is good and it's a go.... time-frame wise. Last article regarding same:



http://www.thegoldenstar.net/breakin...386037391.html

Originally Posted by craneSpotter (Post 7569760)

This would be sweet. :tup:

Driverless highway from Vancouver to Seattle proposed
Automomous vehicles could eventually take over I-5/Hwy 99 route

CBC Sep 20, 2016

Originally Posted by mcpish (Post 7588195)

Continuing through the lower mainland on the TCH-1. I've driven all the way from Winnipeg.

• Video Link

Originally Posted by DKaz (Post 7630607)

I will certainly take Hwy 3 to get to Vancouver someday...

Some Peachland Hwy 97 Bypass options, yet there's a lot about upgrading the existing corridor, maybe doing a bit of a reroute in south Peachland.

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/dri...on-nov2016.pdf

Originally Posted by urbancanadian (Post 7637343)

Thanks for posting. I'm a little confused - are they planning a bypass AND upgrades to the existing route? Or is upgrading the existing route just another option?

Originally Posted by 240glt (Post 7694597)

Doesn't help that coming into SA from the east you go down that big long hill and everyone is soeeding by the time they get to the bottom. So many BC towns are in the same predicament

I'm not sure how you'd bypass Salmon Arm.. if they were to twin & divide 97 from Sicamous to Vernon that might re-direct a lot of traffic to the Coquihalla on the way to the coast

Originally Posted by 240glt (Post 7694597)

I'm not sure how you'd bypass Salmon Arm.

Originally Posted by craner (Post 7700302)

If they could somehow change the TCH routing to avoid the big "loops" between Sicamous and the hwy 97 jct it would save a lot of time ... but alas ... mountains.