TRAFFIC – Major work in downtown area will impact commuters

Beginning April 28, 2024, major work along the Lansdowne Street corridor will begin as part of the City Centre Sanitary Upgrades Project to install a trunk sewer main from 1st Avenue to 7th Avenue.

The City says the project will have a significant impact on commuters in and through the downtown core, including phased closures along Lansdowne Street from April to November as crews move eastward throughout the project.

A news release from City Hall today (April 17, 2024) says the project is for the Lansdowne portion of the trunk main to service a broader area. Currently, there is no dedicated gravity trunk — a main sewer pipe used to take wastewater from smaller pipes towards the wastewater treatment plant by gravity flow — servicing the city centre area.

It says the existing network has reached capacity in many areas and will not support expected density increases in the contributing areas, specifically the central business district.

“The sanitary pipe is the project’s primary driver, but the end result will also include a freshly paved road, pavement markings, trees, irrigation, and concrete sidewalk repairs,” said Matt Kachel, the City’s capital projects manager.

“It will look tidy and refreshed when we’re done, so we’re asking for co-operation and patience from residents and motorists as we work our way through this critical project.”

The first major detour phase will occur from April to June and will result in a closure of Lansdowne Street from 1st Avenue to 2nd Avenue. A portion of Lorne Street from Uji Way to Lansdowne Street in the area of the CP Rail Bridge will also be closed.

To accommodate motorists and improve traffic flow during the closure, Seymour Street from Victoria Street West to 2nd Avenue will become a two-way street. 1st Avenue will remain open to local traffic only between Victoria Street and Seymour Street.

Businesses along Lansdowne Street will remain open throughout the construction period, and pedestrians will have access through the work zone, but it may be limited to one side of the street.

For transit impacts and updated route information, visit BCTransit.com/Kamloops.

Regular traffic updates, including anticipated delays, lane closures, and alternate routes, will be shared through the City Centre Sanitary Upgrades Project page, Kamloops.ca/Kammute, social media, and road signage.