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Drivers trying to get into Kelowna from points south are now facing a long detour as the ongoing closure of Highway 97 and a portion of the Coquihalla Connector and Highway 5A continues to hamper travel plans.
At this point, the Transportation Ministry is advising people to use numbered routes only. For travellers out of the South Okanagan trying to get to Kelowna, that means taking Highway 3 east from Osoyoos and connecting to Highway 33 through Beaverdell and then into Kelowna.
A portion of Highway 5A between Princeton and Merritt is also closed, so those trying to get to Kelowna from Merritt have to travel through Kamloops and Kelowna.
There are several backcountry options to reach Kelowna from the South Okanagan, although the condition of those routes as well as directions were not immediately available. The Drive B.C. website is recommending travellers stick to major highways only.
See a map of the routes below:
View Alternate Routes in a larger map
Official update from the Emergency Operations Centre:
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has provided the following highway traffic information update for motorists:
- Highway 97 is closed from Highway 97 C through Westbank.
- Highway 97 C is closed at Highway 5A to the interchange with Highway 97 due to smoke.
- At present we are only recommending travelers use the numbered routes for detours in the Kelowna area being:
- From Merritt to Kelowna use Highway 5 to the Trans Canada Highway to Highway 97 via the Monte Creek turn off at Kamloops,
- From Kelowna to Summerland and points south use Highway 33 to Highway 3 and follow the signs to Osoyoos to Highway 97, and
- From Summerland and points south use Highway 97 to Highway 3 to highway 33 at Rock Creek.
- A temporary detour route for traffic under 27,000 kg GVW is being prepared along the 201 Forest Service Road between Penticton and Highway 33 via McCulloch Road. This roadway will be available as of 3:00 pm this afternoon. This road is restricted to light traffic only. Vehicles in excess of 27,000 kg GVW are required to use the number highway routes only.
- Presently the Ministry’s maintenance contractor, Argo has mobilized 2 water trucks and 3 graders on the road and steps have been taken to engage the forestry contractor in the area to use their grader in assisting in road maintenance.
- In addition, Argo and Ministry staff including Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) staff are performing 24 hour patrols along the road.
The safety of the travelling public is the Ministry’s first priority. Travelers are reminded to observe all traffic control devices, obey all traffic control persons and watch for changing conditions.
For updated Highway information and road closures at anytime visit the www.drivebc.ca or call 1-800-550-4997.
Tags: traffic routes
