Trepanier Bench Interchange

NEW INTERCHANGE TO IMPROVE SAFETY FOR TRAVELERS

PEACHLAND – The new $796,000 Trepanier Bench Interchange will improve safety in Peachland’s residential areas by diverting industrial traffic from Trepanier Road to Highway 97C, Okanagan-Westside MLA Rick Thorpe and Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon announced today.

“This project is extremely important for our growing area,” said Thorpe. “The economy in the Okanagan is thriving, and as a result we are seeing more tourist and truck traffic on our roads. It’s important we upgrade our transportation infrastructure, and this is another example of our government’s commitment to do that.”

The new interchange will provide Trepanier area residents with an alternative emergency evacuation route. The project includes the installation of new fencing, lighting and signage. Special guards and fencing have also been installed to help ensure wildlife like deer and moose stay off Highway 97C.

“Commercial vehicles will now have a more direct link to their destinations via 97C, and Peachland residents will have safer, quieter streets,” said Falcon. “This new interchange is one more example of how we are meeting local transportation needs, as we undertake one of the most ambitious transportation plans in decades.”

“This is an historical event for our community,” said Peachland Mayor Bob Harriman. “This is going to improve access times for vehicles going to the Westside and to Kelowna, particularly emergency vehicles, and it will significantly reduce heavy commercial traffic in the Trepanier area.”

“The Regional District of Central Okanagan is pleased to support the interchange for the benefit of all Westside residents,” said Aaron Dinwoodie, Westside director for the Regional District of the Central Okanagan. “It's the direct result of a strong partnership involving the regional district, Peachland and the provincial government.”

Funding for this project was cost-shared between the Ministry of Transportation ($546,000), the District of Peachland ($100,000), the Regional District of the Central Okanagan ($100,000) and Twin River Gravel Company ($50,000 of services and materials).

“As a local Peachland company, Twin River Gravel is happy to be able to give back to the community with our participation in the Trepanier interchange project,” said Don Sarauer, owner of Twin River Gravel Company.

This project was tendered to Penticton contractors Peters Bros. Construction Ltd. in June, with construction ongoing since July. The interchange is expected to be open to the public by October 12, 2004.


Media
contact:
Jeff Knight
Public Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Transportation
250 356-7707

Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca  for online information and services.

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