The City of Kamloops is clarifying earlier reports regarding a project planned for Columbia Street this summer. While a large utility project has been tentatively scheduled for 2027 to avoid overlap with the Overlanders Bridge project, a small paving project on Columbia Street will take place in August.

The paving work on Columbia Street from 1st Avenue to 3rd Avenue is essential maintenance that has been strategically timed to minimize future traffic impacts. Completing this short-term project now will help prevent further disruption when a larger, more complex infrastructure project on Columbia Street from 3rd Avenue to McGill Road begins in 2027.

The City recognizes the impact of overlapping work on major corridors, and the project team has carefully reviewed the city-wide construction schedule and planned this work in a way that prioritizes traffic flow and minimizes inconvenience to commuters.

The asphalt resurfacing project will begin on Monday, August 18, with expected completion by early September. Motorists can expect temporary lane closures as crews work through the corridor. However, crews will work 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (outside of peak hours) to avoid high traffic volumes and will work weekends to limit traffic disruptions. Night work for this project was considered, but due to the project’s proximity to residential dwellings and the hospital, it was deemed unsuitable. To help reduce congestion and improve traffic flow, there will not be any weekday work after the Labour Day long weekend, once school is back in session, as an additional way to help mitigate congestion and improve traffic flow.

“To keep Columbia Street in good condition and reduce cumulative traffic disruptions down the line, this work needs to proceed now,” said Matt Kachel, the City’s Infrastructure Delivery Divisional Manager. “We recognize Columbia Street is a key route for residents and commuters, and we’re taking every measure to ensure this project is delivered efficiently and with as little impact as possible.”

The City is committed to coordinating roadwork projects in a way that keeps people moving while meeting infrastructure needs within the limited construction season. Residents are encouraged to watch for updates at LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/Columbia for the latest information on timelines and project progress.