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KELOWNA – With less than a month to go before the official opening of the William R. Bennett Bridge, the Province and the City of Kelowna have launched a website to provide the public with information about the opening celebrations.
“This bridge will open 108 days ahead of schedule and we’re going to join the community to celebrate,” said Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon. “I encourage everyone to check out this website to find out how the bridge construction is going and what they can expect at the celebration.”
On May 25, the Province will be joining all the local governments within the
Central Okanagan Region lead by the City of Kelowna to officially open the
bridge – 108 days ahead of the original scheduled opening of Sept. 12, 2008. A
website has been launched at www.th.gov.bc.ca/WilliamRBennettbridge
to provide information about this celebration and help the public plan their
day. On this site, people can find out about the construction and history of
the bridge, as well as find a schedule and description of the May 25 opening
celebration events.
“May 25th is our opportunity to celebrate a
new era,” says Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd. “It’s also an opportunity to
officially recognize the close links between all communities bordering Okanagan
Lake. Everyone travelling between Kelowna and the Westside will benefit from
the increased capacity of the new bridge; they’ll also benefit from Kelowna’s
$25 million investment in east approach improvements that have been designed to
ease traffic flow on and off the new bridge.”
The
May 25 celebration will feature an official bridge opening ceremony with the
Province of British Columbia. In addition, there is a full day filled with
community-planned entertainment by local talent, family activities, heritage
displays and an evening Parade of Light, Parade of Boats and fireworks display.
Information will continue to be added to the site until the May 25 event, so
people should keep checking for updates.
In spring 2005, SNC-Lavalin Inc. was chosen to design, build, finance, and operate the toll-free bridge under a 30-year contract. The bridge will feature five lanes, an elevated span to allow for the passage of marine traffic and improved access for cyclists and pedestrians.
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contact: |
Communications Director Ministry of Transportation 250 387-7787 |
Development Manager City of Kelowna 250 469-8821 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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