On Friday, October 29, at 11 a.m. the Dayton Street pedestrian overpass, the first of its kind in Kelowna, officially opened to rollerbladers, walkers, and runners.

The overpass is designed to be a safe and convenient way for pedestrians and cyclists to cross Highway 97, one of the busiest roadways, which sees close to 60,000 vehicles per day. It will connect to the newly constructed Parkinson Recreation Trail and the City’s existing bicycle network.

The $2.7 million project is part of the Kelowna Active Transportation Network, a series of local transportation improvements valued at $34 million.  This project was made possible by $1.35 million in federal funding through the Gas Tax Fund and the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.  The Province of British Columbia provided $566,000 and the City of Kelowna provided $791,000.

"The Dayton Street overpass will improve commuter safety, help to reduce gas emissions by promoting alternative forms of transportation, and increase access to the Parkinson Recreation Trail from the Landmark Towers," said Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, on behalf of Canada's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Chuck Strahl. "Today's opening is an excellent example of the Government of Canada's commitment to stimulating local economies and creating jobs, while providing safer, greener and more efficient transportation systems."

“The Parkinson Recreation Centre has become a key focal point for Kelowna residents,” said Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart. “The new overpass is a key element of Kelowna’s active transportation network project, and will make a big difference towards getting people out of cars by providing more sustainable, healthier transportation options for the community.”

“This is a great example of how collaboration among funding partners makes infrastructure improvements possible and supports the broader environmental outcomes of cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions,” said Kelowna-Mission MLA Steve Thomson.

“It’s all about providing more options for people to get around Kelowna without depending on a vehicle,” says Mayor Sharon Shepherd. “We are making significant strides in linking the active transportation corridors together and the overpass will make it more convenient for people to ride their bikes or take transit.”

“Providing communities with better transportation options is needed but costly,” said UBCM President Barbara Steele.  “Kelowna’s current round of public transit improvements demonstrates that substantial improvements can be made when all levels of government work together.”

The location of the overpass is adjacent to Landmark Centre, a major employment hub and one of the City’s busiest recreation facilities, and Parkinson Recreation Centre, making it a viable transit service area for RapidBus.

"On behalf of the Landmark office complex we are pleased to be a part of this exciting project with the City of Kelowna and believe it will be a great asset to the city,” said Mark Stober of Al Stober Construction.

RapidBus will begin servicing PRC transit stop Saturday, October 30. Visit bctransit.com/kelregion for schedule information.

Visit kelowna.ca/cityprojects to learn more about the Dayton Street Overpass.