Work is underway to reconfigure the dangerous intersection and corridor of Highway 3A to Highway 97.
The improvements to the junction will include a dedicated left-turn lane for drivers turning onto Highway 97.
The ministry of transportation project was re-tendered after no contractors bid on the project in the spring.
Peters Bros. Construction Ltd. of Penticton was recently awarded a $1.4-million contract to do the work, confirmed the ministry of transportation on Thursday.
They have begun mobilizing equipment to the site. Work is anticipated to begin this week and scheduled to be complete at the end of October, said the ministry.
Motorists may expect minor delays during construction so check drivebc.ca for updates.
This announcement comes on the same day a serious crash involving an RV closed down Highway 97 near the weigh scales. The highway improvements are expected to alleviate some of the issues in this area of Highway 97 as well.
READ MORE: Serious crash closes Highway 97 in Kaleden for entire day
Subrina Monteith, RDOS director for Kaleden, has pushed for safety improvements in that area for several years.
The project will provide a protected left-turn lane at the junction and a dedicated acceleration lane for traffic merging onto Highway 97 northbound, which will increase safety for local residents and all travellers passing through the area, said the Ministry.
The junction has seen numerous accidents and near misses as those making a left from 3A onto Highway 97 do so blindly as vehicles come up the hill into their path.
There are also crashes near the gas station and weigh scales across the way as people try to exit that area.
A petition was started on change.org last year and reached over 4,000 signatures.
It was brought to the ministry by Monteith and MLA Roly Russell.
A few months later the ministry announced it would be making safety improvements.
READ MORE: Huge support for traffic safety improvements at highway 97 and 3A
