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September 19, 2016 - 11:44 AM
KELOWNA - Weary travellers on the Okanagan Connector will soon be given a new place to pull over and rest.
A new, modern rest area will be built between Merritt and Kelowna on Highway 97C, according to a media release from the B.C. Government.
In addition to the new rest stop, there are planned access improvements to the Loon Lake interchange on Highway 97C. Scheduled improvements like a new access road, separate parking areas for passenger vehicles and commercial traffic are on the way.
The rest area has been designed with the potential for upgrades like car charging stations and WiFi.
A total of $9-million will be invested in upgrading rest areas across the province, the release says. Improvements include the construction of new rest areas, increased lighting, building upgrades, improved accessibility and increased capacity for commercial truck parking at existing rest stops.
This announcement follows a January 2016 survey of rest areas. The survey was popular among commercial truck drivers, with 835 respondents.
"When the highway is your workplace, you should be able to rely on safe, clean, well-lit rest areas at strategic locations with room to park," Trucking Association president and CEO Louise Yako says in the release. "We're pleased the province heard our concerns, acknowledged the need to improve the number and quality of amenities available, and consulted directly with drivers."
The map above shows the route where the planned rest area will be constructed.
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