Kamloops commuters told to expect delays, congestion as Tranquille sanitary main replacement resumes

Photo: Twitter - City of Kamloops

Work to replace a sewer line along Tranquille Road will resume next week with traffic detours planned for the duration of the project to make room for excavation crews.

In a statement, the City of Kamloops said it is anticipating phase two of the Tranquille Road sanitary main upgrade project will be completed by fall 2021, and delays for commuters, including those using public transit, should be expected.

“While every attempt will be made to minimize the impact on residents, business owners, motorists, transit users and pedestrians during construction, delays and congestion are inevitable,” the statement said.

“Commuters are encouraged to consider using alternate routes of other modes of transportation such as carpooling, transit, cycling, or walking, if possible.”

Extreme Excavating Ltd. replaced the sanitary gravity main on Tranquille from Southill Street to Singh Street in 2020. This year, the company will replace the main along Tranquille from Singh to 12th Street.

Upgrades to the intersection, boulevard and landscaping will also be completed.

The city said starting Monday, all traffic will be detoured from Tranquille Road between Singh and 12th, with the exception of transit buses, emergency services, and residents or visitors to businesses located south of Tranquille Street.

However, residents and businesses located north of Tranquille will not have any access to or from the road.

A secondary traffic detour will also be in place from March 1 to 19, according to the city.

The excavating company will carry out trenching and deep infrastructure work at the intersection of Tranquille and 12th. As a result, there will be no through traffic allowed on 12th street, either northbound or southbound.

The city said detour signage will be in place, but motorists are encouraged to avoid the area by using 8th Street, Parkcrest Avenue, Halston Avenue, and Singh Street.

According to the city statement, safe pedestrian access will be accommodated through the construction zone.

The Route 2: Parkcrest inbound bus will also be detouring between Lethbridge Avenue and Tranquille Road from March 1 to 19.

The city said the bus stop at 12th Street and Selkirk Avenue will be closed, and a temporary stop will be placed along Lethbridge Avenue before 13th Street.

The Route 2: Parkcrest outbound bus will not be affected.

According to the city, construction will occur Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the possibility of some weekend or night work. The city said advance notice will be provided for any after-hours work.

More construction details can be viewed on the Kamloops LetsTalk website.