Construction on the final section of Penticton's controversial lake-to-lake bike lane will begin on Sept. 16, city officials say.
Scheduled work in the coming months will complete the 6.7-kilometre protected route, connecting Okanagan and Skaha lakes.
Grizzly Excavating has been awarded the contract to conduct the work, which is set to start next week on South Main Street, between Green Avenue and Pineview Road.
Anyone travelling through this area in the coming weeks should expect minor delays, according to the city. Construction will take place on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"Watch for lane closures and follow any posted detours," a press release reads.
It adds that work will continue through the year 鈥� as weather permits 鈥� and progress south of Green Avenue toward Skaha Lake starting in the spring of 2025.
"The city is contacting immediate residents and schools in the area."
Work on the bike lane kicked off in 2021.
It has since been built on parts of Martin Street, Fairview Road, Atkinson Street, Duncan Avenue and Kinney Avenue.
Among the central campaign issues ahead of the 2022 municipal election, Penticton's lake-to-lake route has involved an extensive community engagement process, as well as being subject to debate with the city's previous and current councils.
As part of the construction process, city crews have been upgrading electrical lighting at intersections and making paving and sidewalk improvements. Infrastructure altercations have also been made along the route, officials added.
"Once (the final section) is complete, the lake-to-lake route will provide a safe route for all ages and abilities to travel the length of Penticton, while connecting to major destinations throughout the city," reads a press release.
