Section of Highway 97 under construction along Wood Lake.
Image Credit: SOURCE/Facebook/TranBC
August 11, 2013 - 12:52 PM
LAKE COUNTRY - It was kind of a secret. No one would say when the new, divided highway between Winfield and Oyama would open.
In fact, officials were being very general in their comments. Rampual Dulay with the Ministry of Transportation couldn’t be pinned down on a date. He would only say the $78-million dollar new section of Highway 97 would open sometime in mid-August.
Well, no one told the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce the opening date was a secret.
The Chamber has fired off invitation emails to politicians, dignitary and other guests. The business group has inadvertantly announced the new highway will be officially opened on Aug. 16 and there will be some events to celebrate the historic day.
So here are at the details.
While the highway doesn't open to traffic until 7 p.m. on Friday, at noon the public is invited to come up to the Winfield end of the highway where they can take part in a bike, walk and run event.
There will be refreshments. You’ll be able to write your name with chalk on the new highway and have your picture taken with your effort.
After the opening ceremony, dignitaries will take part in an inaugural vehicle procession along the new stretch of road. They’ll be followed by drivers from area car clubs.
If you want to get involved in the opening celebration you’re asked to call the Lake Country Chamber at 250-766-5670. You can also fire them an email at manager@lakecountry chamber.com.
The new piece of highway will divert traffic around the deadly stretch of Highway 97 around Wood Lake. The old highway will be called the Pelmewash Parkway. The province will drop the speed limit to 50 km/h. Eventually the road will be handed over the District of Lake Country.
To contact the reporter for this story, email halexander@infotelnews.ca or call 250-491-0331.
The view at the north end of the new section of highway during construction.
Image Credit: Ministry of Transportation
News from © iNFOnews, 2013