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Ethel Street to reopen in Kelowna as upgrade work wraps up

Design work has already started for the next phase of Ethel Street’s active transportation corridor
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Ethel Street, between Cawston and Bernard Avenues, was part of the first phase of the active transportation corridor work. —Image: Capital News file

With work wrapping up on phase three of the Ethel Street Active Transportation Corridor, the City of Kelowna says Ethel Street, between Harvey and Sutherland Avenues, will re-open at 5 p.m. Nov. 29, along with Saucier Avenue between Richter and Ethel Streets.

“A major part of this project was the extension of the cycle track that starts over at Cawston Avenue and that connects to the city’s growing bike network, as well as utility improvements for Saucier Avenue,” said project manager, Todd DeGruchy.

“Cycling and other kinds of active transportation are becoming increasingly popular and these improvements make the street safer for everyone, including motorists.”

Improvements completed as part of the $2.5-million Ethel Street project include separated cycle tracks on both sides of the road, new sidewalks, LED street lighting, utility improvements as well as improvements to the intersection with Harvey Avenue.

Work on a second project—the replacement of aging water and sewer mains and paving of Saucier Avenue between Richter and Ethel streets—is also now completed.

Landscaping and finishing work is ongoing.

The city says Ethel Street is a key north/south active transportation route and in addition to making it safer, the new infrastructure is expected to make the neighbourhood more attractive to walk and cycle through.

A concept design for an active transportation corridor along Ethel Street between Clement and Raymer avenues was developed in 2014 with public input gathered at two open houses and an online survey.

The project is being built in phases with a total estimated cost of $12 million. The corridor will connect with the Casorso, Rose, Sutherland and Cawston active transportation corridors and will run north-south between downtown and the South Pandosy area with a number of schools, parks, health care institutions and businesses on route or nearby.

Phase one of the project, between Bernard and Harvey Avenues, was completed in 2015 and phase two, between Bernard and Cawston Avenues opened in November 2016.

Design work for phase four, between Sutherland and Cadder Avenues, is now underway. Construction is scheduled to begin on that phase next spring, pending budget approval.

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