Okanagan Hwy. 97 to get twinned

SUMMERLAND, B.C. — Transport Canada and its B.C. counterpart have identified improvements to Hwy. 97 in the Okanagan Valley as a major priority under the country’s new long-term infrastructure plan.

The initiative involves upgrading a 7-km section of Hwy. 97 between Bentley Road and Okanagan Lake Park to four lanes. The $54 upgrade is expected to increase traffic safety and reduce congestion. It is expected to be completed in 2009.

“This un-twinned section of highway has long been identified as a high collision area,” said Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day, who cited several log truck accidents, including a fatality last week, in the area. “This investment will significantly improve the safety of Highway 97.

Through its $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, Ottawa has met with provinces, territories and the municipal sector in the last few months to discuss signing agreements for funding other initiatives across the country under the plan.