Highway 97 partial reopening date announced
Posted September 7, 2023 11:18 am.
Last Updated September 7, 2023 11:22 am.
Driving to B.C.’s Okanagan will get a little easier in just over a week, as Highway 97 near Summerland is expected to partially reopen after a rock slide.
An update from B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says the roadway will reopen to single-lane alternating traffic by Sept. 16.
A section of the highway was closed on Aug. 28 after a “significant rockslide.”
#BCHwy97 north of #Summerland will reopen to single-lane-alternating traffic by the weekend of Sept. 16-17, 2023.
More details on work progress and info on alternate routes in news release: https://t.co/tZ5FwdxUeN pic.twitter.com/5uYtfbyms9
— BC Transportation (@TranBC) September 7, 2023
Since then, the province says a large lock-block wall was built over the Labour Day long weekend to protect the highway from additional falling rocks.
Currently, the ministry says crews are working on building a 150-metre berm which, when completed, will allow a lane of traffic to open.
Until the highway reopens, the province recommends taking highways 97C, 5A, or 33 as detours. Two forest service roads also remain open for passenger vehicles. They include the 201 Forest Service Road off Highway 33 southwest of Kelowna, and Peachland Forest Service Road in Peachland.
“Drivers are reminded that the forest service roads are unpaved and will add as much as 90 minutes (to) travel time,” the province advises. “Cellphone coverage is limited throughout both routes. Drivers are also encouraged to plan trips during daylight and to drive with caution.”