Temporary road closures and traffic pattern changes will be in place in downtown Summerland as work continues on the Wharton Street Revitalization Project.
The next phase of infrastructure upgrades, expected to begin in late July, will involve utility and road upgrade on Victoria Roads as well as improvements to the intersection of Victoria Road and Main Street, to improve pedestrian safety.
Temporary road closures will begin July 29 and will affect this intersection.
The closures are expected to remain in place through September, with limited local access and restricted parking, the municipality said in a news release.
Access to Victoria Road from Main Street will not be permitted during this time. A turnaround area will be put in place on Main Street, before Victoria Road.
Truck traffic will not be permitted on Main Street between Kelly Avenue and Victoria Road.
The intersection of Victoria Road and Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic.
Hunt Street and Victoria Road South will be closed at Elliot Street, except for local traffic and drop-offs.
Wharton Street, between Victoria Road and Kelly Avenue, will remain closed and detour routes will remain in place.
During the road project, businesses will remain open, with parking locations nearby. Temporary turnarounds will be set up and drop-off zones and pedestrian corridors will be in place.
Road restorations will take place as construction work progresses, with efforts to reopen areas outside of the work zone at the end of each day.
Emergency vehicles will have access to the area throughout the construction period.
Work on the Wharton Street Revitalization Project began in late April and is expected to continue through November.
The project includes electrical upgrade work from Smith Street and Armstrong Avenue to the back alley of Victoria Road and to the post office. Overhead power lines will be relocated underground.
In addition, water and storm sewer work is also part of this project.
鈥淭he infrastructure is the main component of this project,鈥� said Joe Mitchell, director of works and infrastructure for the community.
Streetscape work on and near Wharton Street will also be done during this project.
The work includes Memorial Park Plaza, which will have an upgrade cenotaph area, seating,, lighting, flag poles and electrical power. In addition, the Henry Avenue Plaza, affecting the section of Henry Avenue between Main Street and Wharton Street, will be constructed. This section of road will be closed to vehicle traffic. The plaza will include an all-season public washroom, a misting fountain, cafe-style seating, a busking stage, overhead lighting, bench seating and planting areas.
At the intersection of Main Street and Victoria Road, a raised intersection will be set up. Victoria Road traffic will not stop, but the intersection is expected to slow traffic.
The majority of the work is expected to be completed by November, with some electrical work to be concluded in 2026.
the total cost of this project is estimated at $8.557 million.
