Pictured is an artist's rendition of the roundabout to be built in downtown Kelowna at the intersection of Doyle Avenue and Water Street.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/City of Kelowna
February 15, 2017 - 1:25 PM
KELOWNA - Kelowna’s eleventh roundabout will be built downtown at the intersection at Doyle Avenue and Water Street.
An information night was held Tuesday evening, Feb. 14, so community members could express concerns or pose questions to the City about the project.
City design technician Steven Robertson says the majority of the feedback on the project was positive.
“A main concern that was presented was from the cycling community,” Robertson says. “We’re going to work to improve safety for cyclists by adding different signage.”
According to a study by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, roundabouts reduced overall collisions by 37 per cent where stop signs or traffic lights were previously used. Additionally, the institue found roundabouts reduced fatal collisions by 90 per cent.
"The list of benefits for roundabouts goes on and on," Robertson says. "Not only do they improve safety, but they are more cost effective, due to the use of no electricity, and they are more environmentally friendly since they reduce idling."
The construction of the roundabout is to begin mid-March and is expected to be completed by the end of June, just in time for Canada Day.
During construction, the section of road at Water Street and Doyle Avenue will be open to single lane alternating traffic.
As part of the $800,000 construction budget, the City will be extending the curb at Cawston and Water Street to improve pedestrian safety.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2017