Amidst consternation from Vernon council regarding the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure's (MoTI) response to a, outstanding ministry highway projects are set to be discussed at the Monday, Dec. 9 council meeting.
The list of outstanding projects is no longer being maintained, but Vernon administration is actively working with MoTI on the Highway Corridors Study as part of the Transportation Plan development.
The last Highway 97 Vernon Traffic Management Study took place in 2015. There are six projects still outstanding from the study:
- Highway 97 at 32nd Avenue- Adding northbound/southbound left turn lanes and eastbound/westbound left turn signal phase.
- Highway 97 at 35th Avenue- Adding a full traffic control signal.
- Highway 97 at 39th Avenue- Add southbound right turn lane and westbound protected left turn signal phase.
- Highway 97 at 43rd Avenue- Adding a second eastbound left turn lane.
- Highway 97 at 48th Avenue- Add fourth intersection leg connection to Old Kamloops Road.
Additionally, the only known project to occur within the city of Vernon was a review of the Highway 97 and 32nd Avenue intersection improvements feasibility, but work is constrained due to the narrow right-of-way and "likely will not be able to take place until land acquisitions could occur," according to administration.
That intersection has been a cause of concern recently, as died after being struck while walking the intersection crosswalk on July 20.
There are no capital projects currently on the Ministry's published list within Vernon.
Council will discuss the matter at the Monday, Dec. 9 meeting, which begins at 1:30 p.m.
