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November 19, 2021 - 6:00 AM
The City of Penticton is asking motorists to be cognizant of safe driving practices as traffic is expected to spike along Hwy 97 due to Coquihalla Highway repairs.
Until the Highway 5 is repaired, commuters are asked to pay closer attention while at intersections, on-ramps, and traffic lights.
Heavy traffic volumes could also trigger longer wait times at city traffic lights.
“Resuming the daily movement of people and goods throughout southern B.C. is currently limited to just a few open routes, with Hwy 97 through Penticton playing a key role in this effort,” Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki said in a release. “Please be patient, considerate, and welcoming of your fellow B.C. motorists who find themselves being redirected through Penticton due to the disruptive impact of this week’s weather event.”
Penticton city staffers have already observed an influx in traffic during their daily commutes.
“We wanted to make sure people are ready for the increase, and exercising additional safety when driving on local roads, and being prepared for any delays,” City of Penticton Communication Manager Phillip Cooper said.
Travel around southern B.C. should be limited to essential travel only at this time.
“Our view is that unless you don’t have to travel, we would recommend avoiding it, there’s going to be delays with heavier traffic on what roads are open,” Cooper added. “Really consider the need to travel before making that decision to get in your car when roads are still unstable.”
B.C.’s Transportation Minister, Rob Fleming said in a Tuesday afternoon press conference Highway 3 is projected to be the most likely route to connect Vancouver with the interior as early as this weekend.
Senior Spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency Rebecca Purdy confirmed travellers who must transit through the United States to return to their residence in Canada are exempt from the COVID-19 pre-arrival test, test in Canada, and quarantine requirements.
Pre-existing exemptions within the orders are being applied to travellers who enter Canada to return to their place of residence after carrying out everyday functions that due to geographical constraints, necessarily involve entering the United States.
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