The third phase of the Ethel Street active transportation corridor project in Kelowna, complete with utility upgrades on Saucier Avenue, will kick off this spring.
Work on the $2.5 million third phase—part of a larger $12 million project that will create a multi-use corridor stretching from Clement Avenue north of Highway 97 to Raymer Avenue south of the highway—is set to start in April to finish in October. During that time, the 450-metre stretch of Ethel will be closed to traffic.
“We are looking forward to starting the next phase of Ethel Street improvements which extends from Harvey Avenue to Sutherland Avenue,” said project manager, Todd DeGruchy.
“A major part of this project is the extension of the cycle track which starts over at Cawston Avenue and will serve as an important connection in the city’s bike network.”
Additional improvements to Ethel Street will include new wider sidewalks, landscaping, street lighting and utility upgrades, including be replacement of an aging water and sewer main on Saucier Avenue.
The first phase, between between Highway 97 (Harvey Avenue) and Bernard Avenue was completed in 2015 and the second phase, between Bernard and Cawston Avenue was completed in 2016. When complete, the Ethel Street 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.
Residents will be able to review construction plans for the third phase of the project at an information session planned for March 1, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at A.S. Matheson Elementary School on Gordon Drive.