Tenders have been called for the construction of the John Hindle Drive extension, which will provide a new route to the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus.

鈥淭his project will ease congestion on Highway 97 and provide an alternative for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists heading to and from UBCO,鈥� said minister of transportation and infrastructure Todd Stone. 鈥淯sers will have another route to the university without having to travel on Highway 97.鈥�

The project will consist of a two-lane roadway connecting Highway 97 to Glenmore Road at the UBCO campus. It will also include the construction of a multi-use paved pathway for pedestrians and cyclists from Glenmore Road to the Hollywood Road roundabout at Highway 97 near the UBCO.

鈥淭he new extension of John Hindle Drive is expected to result in quicker commute times for those traveling to and from the university, as well as reduce congestion on Highway 97 throughout the City of 琉璃神社,鈥� said MLA for 琉璃神社-Lake Country Norm Letnick. 鈥淎s our population and region continues to grow, it is important to focus on providing multi-modal transportation solutions that benefit all users and build sustainable, healthy communities.鈥�

This $11.6-million project is cost-shared between the federal, provincial governments as well as the City of 琉璃神社. An estimated 35 direct construction jobs are expected over the course of the project.

Construction will begin this spring and is expected to finish in spring 2018.