Full speed ahead: Transportation projects identified to fast-track our city’s future

Kelowna is growing fast, and faster than previously projected. The Transportation Accelerator Program (TAP) is a strategic initiative designed to speed up the delivery of transportation projects and strengthen our transportation network. TAP includes several transportation projects that have been identified for accelerated design and delivery, ahead of their timelines in the Transportation Master Plan and associated 10-Year Capital Plan. 

"TAP is an initiative designed to enhance our city's transportation network and respond to faster growth. By delivering projects sooner, we can improve mobility, safety, and connectivity for our residents. This is the beginning of an ongoing initiative to consider the acceleration of key transportation projects to support continued growth." said Gordon Foy, Transportation Engineering Manager. 

This year, the City of Kelowna is allocating more funding to road improvements than has been spent in previous years. Increased housing and commercial construction has led to higher development cost charge revenue and reserves, providing more funds for transportation infrastructure. By spending now, the City can reduce the impact of inflation and maximize the value of every dollar. 

Some of the accelerated projects you can expect to see in the near future include:  

• Frost Road Extension: Extend Frost Road from Killdeer Road to Chute Lake Road, including the construction of a new roundabout at Chute Lake Road. Construction is already underway with completion planned by the end of the year. 

• Burtch Road Extension: Extend Burtch Road from Denver Road to K.L.O. Road, including 1.2 kilometres of new arterial road and active transportation corridor and intersection improvements. Utility upgrades will start this summer, followed by road construction later this year, and anticipated completion in 2026. 

• Hollywood Road Extension: Extend Hollywood Road from John Hindle Drive to Sexsmith Road, developing 2 kilometers of new arterial road with bike lanes, sidewalks and upgraded intersections. Construction starting later this year, with completion scheduled for next year. 

• Glenmore Road Improvements: Expand Glenmore Road from two lanes to four lanes between Union Road and Scenic Road, improving safety and capacity along the corridor. Coordinated with major utility upgrades, construction is already underway and planned over this year and next. 

• Lakeshore Road Improvements: Add left turn lanes at intersections and a sidewalk on the east side of Lakeshore Road, from Swordy Road to Wilson Creek Bridge with additional beautification and access management features. Construction is planned to start this year and extend into 2026. 

These projects will provide multiple benefits to the community, such as enhancing mobility, safety, connectivity, and livability in the city. They were prioritized based on the feasibility of accelerated delivery and considering scope, design, construction and permitting complexity. Projects also align with the 2040 Transportation Master Plan and 2040 Official Community Plan .  

These projects are just a portion of the City's investment in transportation infrastructure for 2025. The infrastructure plan includes 52 transportation projects scheduled for construction this year. Moving forward, the City will continue looking for opportunities to accelerate investment in transportation though the 10-Year Capital Plan . 

For more information on TAP, the projects identified for acceleration and other transportation projects the City is working on this year, visit kelowna.ca/cityprojects .