Pavers are coming back soon to resurface Main Street, where pedestrian safety will be improved. File photo
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says pedestrian safety in downtown Oliver will be improved when Main Street is resurfaced soon.
A total of 12 “bump-outs” (curb extensions) will be constructed at three intersections (School, Bank and Veterans Avenues).
These bump-outs will lessen the distance that pedestrians have to cross the street (curb to curb), and should better define the crosswalk itself. It will allow pedestrians to stand on a raised surface, therefore, be more visible to motorists.
Street lights are also being upgraded to increase illumination during the darker hours of the day.
In recent years, there has been a history of accidents involving pedestrians, including the death of an elderly woman whom was hit in downtown Oliver after crossing Main Street in November of 2014.
The resurfacing project will see improvements at the Fairview Road intersection, including upgrading the existing island by reducing the gradient and allowing it to be more scooter/wheelchair friendly.
The Main Street project is the second phase of Highway 97 resurfacing between Oliver and Osoyoos.
Repaving from Similkameen Avenue to Kootenay Street will likely commence in early October. It will last six to eight weeks and be completed in November.
In addition, the following side road paving will also take place: McKinney Road (700 metres), Secrest Hill Road (600 metres), and Johnson Road (450 metres).
According to regional project manager Scotty McKenzie, at least one access to all public roads, private properties and businesses will be maintained at all times. In addition, the ministry will erect custom signage to help promote local business during construction.
The ministry says some traffic and parking impacts are anticipated. Parking on Main Street will still be permitted, but may be closed in certain areas on a block-to-block basis. Single lane alternating traffic is planned for Highway 97, and motorists can expect delays. But these delays will be less than 10 minutes, according to the ministry.
Motorists are encouraged to check DriveBC for up-to-date traffic information.
By Lyonel Doherty
