Old Kamloops Road Construction

[bob vernon]

Old Kamloops Road is being dug up to install a new water line out to the northwest of town. Apparently, the new construction DOESN'T include any plans for a bike and pedestrian path along the side of this road. In places, there is almost no shoulder along the road right now, and riding a bicycle or even walking along this road is very dangerous. (Especially when being passed by an overwidth semi who is dodging the scale north of town.... Old Kamloops Road is a favourite path for them to take. ... wink, wink.)

The lack of including a path while the road is being dug up and repaved is a terrible oversight. It should be done. It just shows the lack of planning we have in this town. What we have isn't good enough. We want development but then we do nothing to improve the infrastructure.

[danmartin]

Very good post Bob. There seems to be a lot of poor planning especially when it comes to walking and bike riding. This will have to be done at some point but at a much higher cost!!!!

[bob vernon]

So after asking a few people, and getting "non-committal" answers, I get the feeling that the pipe will go in, and ONLY the parts of the pavement that have been taken off will be replaced, along with a few patches in the old pavement. The few people brave enough to come out and talk about the issue say that no sidewalk, shoulder, or bike-path will be included. The road will go back to what it has been.

Would the shakers and movers of the community who live on East Hill put up with this?
We heard from all the candidates in the last civic election campaign about how they supported bike paths and they were in favour of a "VIBRANT" community. But that was during the campaign, and this is now.

[Drinkmoremilk]

Vernon is so backwards...apparently the city planners have the right idea (and are experts in their profession) but they always get squashed by the council...I don't get it...I don't think anyone does...

[bob vernon]

The issue of a sidewalk/bike path along the side of Old Kamloops Road will be discussed at the Vernon City Council meeting at 1:30 pm Monday June 9.

[bob vernon]

"We're only responsible for part of the road, 2.2 kilometres out to within about 400 metres of Agassiz Road".
"The province is responsible for part of the road."
"It will be cheaper if we use our own contractor."
"it's too late to do anything now."

Quick....... get it paved.

Whew!! That was close. Absolutely a pathetic performance by our city's planners. Zero performance.

[Luvin Da Blues]

Old Kamloops Road is being dug up to install a new water line out to the northwest of town. Apparently, the new construction DOESN'T include any plans for a bike and pedestrian path along the side of this road. In places, there is almost no shoulder along the road right now, and riding a bicycle or even walking along this road is very dangerous. (Especially when being passed by an overwidth semi who is dodging the scale north of town.... Old Kamloops Road is a favourite path for them to take. ... wink, wink.)

The lack of including a path while the road is being dug up and repaved is a terrible oversight. It should be done. It just shows the lack of planning we have in this town. What we have isn't good enough. We want development but then we do nothing to improve the infrastructure.

If only you had a clue. Maybe you should learn about the project and who's paying for what. Different levels of government have different priorities. You arm chair planners kill me.

[bob vernon]

Yes, the different levels of government DO have different priorities. But there is only ONE taxpayer. The city has plans for doing their section of the road in the future and will be tearing up that new pavement that was just put down.
Maybe the planners should just get together.

You armchair apologists for incompetent planners kill me.

[mamabee]

I really don't care about the different priorities of different governments or parties. It's about me, my tax dollars that should be doing things for me / for us. It's not my fault that they're incompetent and can't seem to figure it out! I would certainly like a sidewalk / bike lane along the road so I don't have to take my life in my own hands when I go there....so thank you very much!!!!

[Putz]

bobvernon, how much do you travel Old Kamloops Road? I travel it at least twice a day, and usually more often, I never see these semis that are sneaking by the scales. What time is this usually happening? Speeding cars, yes, oversized semis, no.

[bob vernon]

I travel that road all the time. In the summer you won't see overloaded logging trucks and you don't see them daily, but I see them at least weekly in the winter. When I was in university one of my summer jobs was driving a truck and I know an illegal truck, or a close call, when I see one. I see overwidth loads from time to time, like a dozer with the blade left on while moving it. Why would a logging truck come into Vernon on Old Kamloops Road, turn left onto 43rd Ave and then turn south again on highway 6 (27th street)? It's called dodging the scale.

[keith1612]

I travel that road all the time. In the summer you won't see overloaded logging trucks and you don't see them daily, but I see them at least weekly in the winter. When I was in university one of my summer jobs was driving a truck and I know an illegal truck, or a close call, when I see one. I see overwidth loads from time to time, like a dozer with the blade left on while moving it. Why would a logging truck come into Vernon on Old Kamloops Road, turn left onto 43rd Ave and then turn south again on highway 6 (27th street)? It's called dodging the scale.

how many semi's are you suggesting are dodging the scales?
as a driver in this area i can call hogwash on this as the road is in visable sight of the government weigh scales and they do watch it.
in general the scales have the southbound scale open more than the north so its a very plain sight across the lake.
i have seen inspectors on the road many times making sure its not abused.
the odd truck takes it and i have also depending on where my load is going but it is monitored.