Walkers hinder construction
Photo: City of Kelowna
The city of Kelowna says construction of the South Perimeter Road is being hindered by hikers venturing into the work zone.
Heavy equipment is currently clearing land and building a roadbed for the new link between Gordon Drive and Crawford Estates.
“Every day large excavators, 40-tonne stone trucks, packers, bulldozers and other heavy equipment work on the construction of the South Perimeter Road,” says Johannes Säufferer, Head of the Real Estate Department.
“We understand that Ponds residents and locals use this area for outdoor activities, but it is private property and continued use poses a significant security risk.”
With such a large construction site, it looks like an area is free of heavy machinery, according to the city, but that can change quickly. The equipment can also work over or under areas that appear clear and can result in falling debris or slides in the landscape. As construction continues throughout the year, drilling and blasting will continue, which is an increasing risk if people continue to disregard the work area and signs.
“We understand that the locals like to use this area for outdoor activities, but we need the public to choose other areas to explore,” said Säufferer. “We appreciate the local residents’ patience while this work is completed.”
The project site described below will remain closed to the public until the new road opens in 2022. The users of the area are asked to find alternative parks and trails that they can enjoy.
When completed, the new 2.9 kilometer road will provide a third access point to the Upper Mission via southeast Kelowna.
Photo: City of Kelowna
