Improved crossing over Bellevue Creek on Lakeshore Road finally done

• Bridge project completed this weekend
• Wider road with more accessible paths
• City appreciates everyone’s patience

After months of construction and more than the occasional traffic delay, the new multi-use path bridge at Lakeshore Road over Bellevue Creek is officially complete.

This weekend, both lanes of the new and wider bridge are open to free-flow traffic. Work began on the bridge in March 2021. Initially, it was expected to be finished by September.

The work involved extensive infrastructure upgrades below the surface as well as the more obvious improvements on top for road traffic, cyclists and pedestrians.

The project was completed to extend the life of the existing bridge and enhance safety for people walking, biking, and driving by widening the crossing over the creek.

“Two lanes of vehicle traffic with buffered bike lanes in each direction, and this multi-use path will allow for smoother traffic flow in the area,” Todd DeGruchy, project manager, City of Kelowna said.

The city said it appreciated the patience and cooperation of residents and local businesses during construction.

Traffic was regularly reduced to single lane as contractors juggled the complexities of the project on what is an increasingly busy part of town.

The project was adjacent to St. Andrews Anglican Church, and a business complex with restaurants, grocery stores, and other shops.

The improved bridge connects the multi-use path from the Lakeshore Active Transportation Corridor to the commercial centres and Collett Road roundabout.

Construction was staged to ensure continued traffic flow throughout the project. Work included watermain upgrades, drainage, and road improvements, decorative streetlighting, a new sidewalk landscaping and creek bed reinforcement.

Learn more about the City’s annual infrastructure projects, visit kelowna.ca/cityprojects.