A new webcam will help provide updates on delays during construction on the Overlanders Bridge.
Image Credit: City of Kamloops webcam
April 18, 2015 - 7:33 PM
KAMLOOPS - Prepare to either be patient or seek alternative routes as construction begins on the Overlanders Bridge next week.
Phase one of the $9.3-million construction project begins Monday, April 20, and will have the southbound curb lane, west sidewalk and the Tranquille Road exit ramp closed to start. The bridge's overpass will be closed for a month, while all other lanes and access ramps will stay open during that time. At least one lane in either direction on the bridge will be open throughout the project.
Drivers can turn left from Fortune Drive on Leigh Road to access the Tranquille business district and planned detour routes are the Red Bridge or the Yellowhead Bridge on Highway 5.
Staff Sgt. Doug Aird of the rural RCMP detachment previously said traffic at the Halston connector is already tight and the detachment would be working with Argo Road Maintenance and the highways department to prepare for an influx of vehicles.
Aird said the city coordinated light changing cycles after many near-collisions during previous construction cycles and mentioned the Tranquille Road overpass construction from several years ago which led to congested traffic between Mount Paul Way and Halston.
"Once the left turn cycle onto Halston was extended the problem cleared up," he said.
To stay up to date on traffic flow, officials at the city introduced #kammute, a Twitter hashtag created to provide updates during business hours. To get regular visuals on the bridge, a webcam was also installed which will give live feed of the bridge, Victoria Street West and the access ramps.
The project is expected to take six months for completion. Additional delays can be expected when construction starts on Columbia Street in June.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Glynn Brothen at gbrothen@infonews.ca, or call 250-319-7494. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015