The City of Kelowna, B.C. Transit and design consultants VIA Architecture and MMM Group will host an open house March 13 on Queensway, in front of City Hall.

A $5.6-million investment in Queensway transit exchange and road upgrades begins this summer as part of B.C. Transit’s RapidBus Phase Two and Three Project.

The public is invited to view the preferred design concept for improved transit amenities and road infrastructure on Queensway between Ellis and Water Streets. Information about service changes during construction this summer, including a temporary transit exchange southbound on Ellis Street between Doyle and Bernard Avenue, will also be available.

When: Thursday March 13, 2 – 5:30 p.m.
Where: Queensway, in front of City Hall, Kelowna

The improvements will provide ease of transfer with amenities to provide a comfortable and convenient environment for transit patrons, operators and security personnel. Completion is scheduled for September 2014.

A number of long-range planning initiatives form the basis of the design for this area, including the recently adopted Downtown Plan, the 2030 Official Community Plan and the Transit Future Plan.

Features of the new exchange include:
-  New all-weather structure on the existing bus island platform
-  New permanent structure for bus operator facilities and a security office that provides surveillance of the entire site
-  Streetscaping improvements including new sidewalks, lighting, plantings, wayfinding and public art
-  New RapidBus stops between Pandosy and Water Streets
-  Roundabout at the intersection of Water St. and Queensway Ave.

Kelowna RapidBus is a partnership between Transport Canada, the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, City of Kelowna, District of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation and B.C. Transit. In total, the project will receive up to $46 million from federal, provincial and local partners. The Government of Canada is contributing up to $10.9 million from the Building Canada Fund and another $6 million from the Gas Tax Fund. The Government of BC will provide $23.9 million, the City of Kelowna $5.2 million and West Kelowna is contributing land.

For more information about this exciting project, visit www.kelownarapidbus.ca.

News from © iNFOnews, 2014