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KAMLOOPS - The City of Kamloops has signed a contract with a construction company for a major project to improve Victoria Street West.

Crews will start work on Victoria Street West between the Overlanders Bridge on-ramp and the Seymour Street West intersection in April, according to a City of Kamloops media release. The project is expected to cost approximately $13 million including the construction contract with Extreme Excavating Ltd.

The City says it need to replace aging infrastructure, which includes water, sanitary and storm services dating back to the early 1900s. The project will also include enhancements to the roadway to increase pedestrian safety, along with lighting and landscaping.

Work is expected to begin in April and wrap up in the fall of 2020.

“The City recognizes the impact this project will have, both on the whole community, and directly on the businesses located within the limits of the project," Civic Operations Director Jen Fretz says in the release. "The City is confident that we have a solid project team in place and we look forward to a successful project. Proactive and transparent communication with the public, as well as the businesses on Victoria Street West, will be a primary objective for this project. Significant traffic delays should be expected, but the City will maintain one lane of traffic in each direction and access to businesses throughout the duration of the project."

While every attempt will be made to minimize the impact on business owners, residents, motorists, transit users, and pedestrians during construction, delays and congestion are inevitable and should be expected, the City says. Commuters are encouraged to consider using alternate routes or other modes of transportation, such as carpooling, transit, cycling or walking.

Businesses on Victoria Street West are expected to remain open throughout the construction period. The City intends to be in contact with these businesses to ensure they are kept informed.

The City says it is working to ensure service is maintained through the construction area in collaboration with Kamloops Fire Rescue, B.C. Ambulance Service, the RCMP and Kamloops Transit.

They also say they will implement an extensive communications plan with traffic webcams, electronic roadside message boards, radio and print ads, the internet, and other means to inform the public of anticipated delays, lane closures, and other traffic disruptions.

Go to the City's LetsTalk page for more information including a video of the planned improvements.

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