Conservative MLAs get in touch with NDP federal government to enhance Okanagan highway

On-and-off closures along Highway 97 in between Peachland, B.C., and Summerland have the Conservatives requiring the NDP act.

“In current years this vital passage has actually been afflicted by the closures and hold-ups and dangers that are merely undesirable, “Harman Bhangu, Langley-Abbotsford Conservative MLA.

A rockslide came down on that stretch of highway in 2023, leaving it with just 2 travel lanes while the Ministry of Transportation performs stabilization work.

“This interrupted countless lives and took the NDP nearly a year to clear. Our province can not pay for to have actually highways closed down for months at a time, our NDP federal government’s short-term reactive steps and leisurely timeframes are merely unsatisfactory,”stated Misty Van Popta, Langley-Walnut Grove Conservative MLA.

The Ministry of Transportation has actually because gotten rid of over 46,500 cubic metres of product in addition to set up rock anchors.

In a declaration, the ministry stated,”A detailed stabilization strategy has actually been established to guarantee the

location stays safe, and long-lasting repair work will start this spring. “

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Conservative MLAs are calling for more.

“To support this area of Highway 97, while speeding up long-lasting repair work, financial investment in upgrades, consisting of larger shoulders, fire avoidance, and enhanced emergency situation detour paths, “stated Macklin McCall, West Kelowna-Peachland Conservative MLA.

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The statement follows an authorities occurrence closed down the WR Bennett Bridge for 12 hours, severing a link in between the south and main Okanagan.

” The NDP’s present emergency situation paths are unprepared throughout the winter season. When the Bennett Bridge closed on Monday, lots of people got stuck on poorly-serviced roadways,”stated Van Popta.

The ministry argued that personnel actively kept the 201 Forest Service Road when it was required following the rockslide.

“During the emergency situation closure of the WR Bennett Bridge, the ministry released patrols and snow-removal devices to securely help stranded roadway users on FSR 201,” the ministry informed Global News.

Conservative MLAs were inquired about a 2nd bridge crossing, however they state the ministry’s report declaring it would not alleviate blockage requires a review.

The ministry verified Wednesday that it is thinking about an additional eastbound lane for the future.