Don’t expect a second bridge, Kelowna. But maybe another lane.

There is no chance a second bridge will be built across Okanagan Lake within the next 17 years, but the current one could be widened.

That comes according to a massive report dropped by the Ministry of Transportation, outlining its plans for moving people around the Okanagan through 2040.

A second crossing was not recommended mainly because it would not do enough to relieve pressure off Harvey Avenue and comes with a significant cost. Adding a second bridge also creates more cross-lake traffic demand.

Instead, adding an entire new lane is recommended to be explored.

This would see another lane added to the southern side of W.R. Bennett Bridge. The pedestrian walkway would be moved to the north.

This concept provides an opportunity to have dedicated HOV and/or transit lanes across the bridge during peak hours while maintaining two general purpose lanes in both directions.

According to the report, this is a feasible option as the bridge is symmetrical. However, it admits a further structural review still needs to be conducted. Accommodating the lane with the Abbott Street intersection must also be considered.

A counterflow or reversable lane – one that alternates direction during peak hours - was considered but ultimately not recommended, mainly due to the safety barrier running down the middle of the bridge.

Because of the barrier, a zipper system would need to be implemented. This would see a large vehicle physically move a median barrier back and forth multiple times during the day. This would add a third eastbound lane in the morning, and three westbound lanes in the afternoon.

But replacing the concreate barriers with movable ones, adding overhead lights, and storing and operating the zipper truck proved to be too costly and complicated.

As such, adding an entirely new lane is considered more feasible and results in the same or better improvements to transit and capacity, the report found.

The report also outlines improvement for traffic coming in and out of Kelowna around the airport, through West Kelowna, and Peachland. You can read it here.