Closure of bridge ramp postponed

UPDATE — The closure of the west off ramp at the south end of the Overlanders Bridge has been postponed until Monday, July 27.

City transportation coordinator Colleen Lepik announced the change Monday afternoon. 

NEWS/ BRIDGE — Kammuters will face another big change to their daily drive starting Wednesday as the west off ramp at the south end of Overlanders Bridge will be closed for three weeks.

City transportation coordinator Colleen Lepik said the project is moving into the next phase, and detour signage will be in place directing all southbound traffic to Seymour Street. If possible, heavy trucks should avoid the Overlanders Bridge and use alternate routes, she said.

All heavy trucks traveling southbound across the bridge will be detoured to the Trans Canada Highway via Seymour Street. Heavy trucks (over 10,900 kgs) are not permitted access up or down First Avenue off Seymour Street. (Temporary Detour Route: http://www.kamloops.ca/maps/pdfs/TruckRouteMap.pdf)

Due to heavier than normal traffic on First Avenue from rerouted traffic, the westbound curb lane of Columbia Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue will be temporarily closed to allow a dedicated right turn onto Columbia Street from First Avenue.

Lepick said crews will continue to install deck joints on the west side of the bridge, and at least two travel lanes on the bridge deck will remain open.

Both the Fortune Drive sidewalk and the asphalt pedestrian ramp connecting Fortune Drive to Tranquille Road remain closed to pedestrians.

At the Columbia Street widening project:

– Phase 2 of the Columbia Street Widening project starts this week. Phase 2 work will focus mainly on the two center lanes between Third Avenue and Sixth Avenue. Traffic will be restricted to the east bound and westbound curb lanes; one travel lane in each direction.
– All driveway accesses on Columbia Street between 3rd Avenue and 6th Avenue will become permanently restricted to right in, right out.
– Hydro is working on the south side of Columbia Street at 4th Avenue as of yesterday to Friday, July 24. There will be some night work involved. During this week, access to Ponderosa may be closed intermittently (access can be made via Fifth Avenue).
– The south sidewalk between Third Avenue and Sixth Avenue remains closed. Pedestrians are advised to use the north sidewalk and to use the crosswalk at 4th Avenue to access the south side businesses, or the crosswalk at Third Avenue to access the hospital.
– Due to heavier than normal traffic on 1st Avenue due to rerouted traffic from the Overlanders Bridge, the west bound curb lane of Columbia Street between First Avenue and 2nd Avenue will be temporarily closed to allow a dedicated right turn onto Columbia Street off 1st Avenue.
– For up to date transit information (including rerouting), visit: http://bctransit.com/kamloops/home (trip alerts) or call 250-376-1216.

12th Street Road Reconstruction (Tranquille Road to Lethbridge Avenue):
– During the week, there will be intermittent, rolling closures on 12th Street between Tranquille Road and Lethbridge Avenue. Detours will be in effect.
– Residents are reminded to please slow down in the construction zone, and obey all traffic control signs and personnel.

For more information on these projects, and to view real time traffic through the web cams, go to: http://www.kamloops.ca/kammute/index.shtml.