Summit-Downtown Active Transportation Connection

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The Summit-Downtown Active Transportation Connection project consists of two segments: the Summit Drive Multi-use Pathway (MUP) and 6th Avenue Bike Lane. The two components are key active transportation connections in supporting a continuous north-south bicycle route from Aberdeen to Westsyde, and will serve as important links connecting Upper Sahali and downtown to the existing Xget'tem' Trail. This Connection is part of the overall North-South Kamloops Bicycle Corridor project, which aims to build out a core bike network in Kamloops, connecting infrastructure and pathways from Aberdeen through downtown to the North Shore and Westsyde.

6th Avenue Bike Lane (Construction Fall 2022–Spring 2023)

The 6th Avenue bike lane will be a separated, fully protected two-way bike lane designed to AAA (all ages and abilities) standards; the first of its kind in Kamloops. It will run from Columbia Street to Lansdowne Street, allowing cyclists to travel in both directions from the Lansdowne Bus Exchange to Peterson Creek Park, including Xget'tem' Trail, which has served almost 70,000 users per year since opening in 2018. The bike lane will be physically separated from vehicle traffic via a concrete median on the east side of 6th Avenue, which will require a redesign of the roadway, reducing the vehicle travel lanes from four to two, with dedicated left turn lanes at Columbia Street, Victoria Street, and Lansdowne Street. It will also include improved transit infrastructure and pedestrian safety enhancements.

The Transportation Master Plan (TMP) identifies several strategic directives towards achieving safe active transportation. Themes that emerged through comprehensive public engagement included the need to improve and connect active transportation networks for pedestrians and cyclists in existing neighbourhoods, and maintain or increase investment in cycling, pedestrian, and transit infrastructure. More than half of public participants (54%) said that if they could, they would like to use cycling more as a means of getting around Kamloops, and 51% said that safer bicycle routes and a more connected bicycle route network are needed for them to bicycle more often.

The Summit-Downtown Connection project addresses the TMP goals by providing a continuous network of safe and direct bicycle routes with dedicated bicycle lanes, separated bikeways, shared routes, and multi-use pathways that enable residents to connect between neighbourhood centres, major employment areas, schools, and amenities. The Summit MUP extension from Whiteshield Crescent to Notre Dame Drive, was identified as a short-term priority within the TMP, and the 5th Avenue Bike Lane (proposed relocation to 6th Avenue) is a medium-term priority.

Summit MUP (Construction September 2021 - Fall 2022)

This 850-metre multi-use path joins dedicated bike lanes on Summit Drive at Whiteshield Crescent South with the Xget'tem' Trail multi-use path starting at Notre Dame Drive, which travels through Peterson Creek Nature Park to downtown. Lighting and traffic signals within the project also support public feedback for improved pedestrian safety in this high traffic area.

This section of the project includes:

  • 3 m wide multi-use path from Notre Dame Drive to Whiteshield Cres South
  • 2 m brick separation strip with trees, lighting upgrades, and curb letdowns
  • highway on-ramp traffic signal on Summit Drive at the TCH on-ramp heading east
  • Smart Right Turn Channel at Highway 1 on-ramp for improved traffic safety
  • Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon (RRFB) at Whiteshield Cres for pedestrian crossing safety

The Summit-Downtown Active Transportation Connection project consists of two segments: the Summit Drive Multi-use Pathway (MUP) and 6th Avenue Bike Lane. The two components are key active transportation connections in supporting a continuous north-south bicycle route from Aberdeen to Westsyde, and will serve as important links connecting Upper Sahali and downtown to the existing Xget'tem' Trail. This Connection is part of the overall North-South Kamloops Bicycle Corridor project, which aims to build out a core bike network in Kamloops, connecting infrastructure and pathways from Aberdeen through downtown to the North Shore and Westsyde.

6th Avenue Bike Lane (Construction Fall 2022–Spring 2023)

The 6th Avenue bike lane will be a separated, fully protected two-way bike lane designed to AAA (all ages and abilities) standards; the first of its kind in Kamloops. It will run from Columbia Street to Lansdowne Street, allowing cyclists to travel in both directions from the Lansdowne Bus Exchange to Peterson Creek Park, including Xget'tem' Trail, which has served almost 70,000 users per year since opening in 2018. The bike lane will be physically separated from vehicle traffic via a concrete median on the east side of 6th Avenue, which will require a redesign of the roadway, reducing the vehicle travel lanes from four to two, with dedicated left turn lanes at Columbia Street, Victoria Street, and Lansdowne Street. It will also include improved transit infrastructure and pedestrian safety enhancements.

The Transportation Master Plan (TMP) identifies several strategic directives towards achieving safe active transportation. Themes that emerged through comprehensive public engagement included the need to improve and connect active transportation networks for pedestrians and cyclists in existing neighbourhoods, and maintain or increase investment in cycling, pedestrian, and transit infrastructure. More than half of public participants (54%) said that if they could, they would like to use cycling more as a means of getting around Kamloops, and 51% said that safer bicycle routes and a more connected bicycle route network are needed for them to bicycle more often.

The Summit-Downtown Connection project addresses the TMP goals by providing a continuous network of safe and direct bicycle routes with dedicated bicycle lanes, separated bikeways, shared routes, and multi-use pathways that enable residents to connect between neighbourhood centres, major employment areas, schools, and amenities. The Summit MUP extension from Whiteshield Crescent to Notre Dame Drive, was identified as a short-term priority within the TMP, and the 5th Avenue Bike Lane (proposed relocation to 6th Avenue) is a medium-term priority.

Summit MUP (Construction September 2021 - Fall 2022)

This 850-metre multi-use path joins dedicated bike lanes on Summit Drive at Whiteshield Crescent South with the Xget'tem' Trail multi-use path starting at Notre Dame Drive, which travels through Peterson Creek Nature Park to downtown. Lighting and traffic signals within the project also support public feedback for improved pedestrian safety in this high traffic area.

This section of the project includes:

  • 3 m wide multi-use path from Notre Dame Drive to Whiteshield Cres South
  • 2 m brick separation strip with trees, lighting upgrades, and curb letdowns
  • highway on-ramp traffic signal on Summit Drive at the TCH on-ramp heading east
  • Smart Right Turn Channel at Highway 1 on-ramp for improved traffic safety
  • Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon (RRFB) at Whiteshield Cres for pedestrian crossing safety

  • Project Update for March 13

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    6th Avenue Bike Lane Project - UPDATE

    Monday, March 13, Urban Appeal Landscaping will recommence work on the 6th Avenue Bike Lane project between Columbia Street and Battle Street. Once this section is complete, they will continue to move north towards Lansdowne Street. Project completion (6th Avenue from Columbia Street to Lansdowne Street) is anticipated to be July 2023.

    Construction will take place Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, with possible evening or weekend work, if required.

    Effective Monday, March 13:

    • In order to accommodate the work, there will be road and alley closures on the east side of 6th Avenue between Columbia Street and Battle Street (including Battle Street at 6th Avenue, and all alleys in between Columbia Street and Battle Street at 6th Avenue).
    • Nicola Street at 6th Avenue (east side) will remain open (except for short closures during milling and paving).
    • Traffic on 6th Avenue between Columbia Street and Battle Street will continue to be one lane, each direction.
    • On-street parking on the west side of 6th Avenue between Columbia Street and Battle Street will not be permitted.
    • Crosswalks on 6th Avenue between Battle Street and Nicola Street will be closed.
    • The east sidewalk on 6th Avenue between Columbia Street and Battle Street will be closed to pedestrians. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times via the 6th Avenue west sidewalk.
    • Transit routes on 6th Avenue will not be affected; however, the inbound (east side) transit stop on 6th Avenue between Columbia Street and Nicola Street will remain closed. Outbound (west side) stops will remain open.
    • Garbage collection for businesses and residences will not be impacted.
    • 6th Avenue (within the active construction zone) will be signed 30 km/hr.
    • Emergency services will be given priority access through the construction zone.
    • Heavy trucks will not be allowed on 6th Avenue within the active construction zone.

    While every attempt will be made to minimize the impact on businesses, residents, motorists, transit users, and pedestrians during construction, delays and congestion are inevitable and should be expected. Please use alternate routes if possible.

    We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience.

  • Lane Configuration Change at 6th Ave

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    The intersection at Columbia Street and 6th Avenue previously had three separate lanes for each southbound traffic movement as shown:


    With the project on 6th Avenue, these southbound travel lanes have now been combined into two lanes: a shared right/through and a dedicated left.



    City crews have added additional lane configuration signage and temporary paint marking, but drivers are urged to use extra caution when navigating this intersection.

  • New Signal Coming to Summit Drive

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    November 21, 2022

    Kamloops, BC—Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists are advised that a new traffic signal will soon be activated at the intersection of Summit Drive and the Trans Canada Highway 1 on-ramp between Springhill Drive and Notre Dame Drive. The new signal will enhance the safety and capacity of the existing uncontrolled intersection as part of the $2.5 million, grant-funded Summit Multi-Use Pathway Project.

    The new traffic signal will provide vehicles heading eastbound from Sahali to the Trans Canada Highway 1 with a left-turn arrow as they make the southbound left turn from Summit Drive to the highway on-ramp. The intersection will still provide two crosswalks at the on-ramp for pedestrians and cyclists.

    One crossing is unsignalized and controlled by a multi-use pathway crosswalk sign with pavement markings, while the other will be controlled with pedestrian crossing signals. These crosswalks, along with the crossings at the signalized intersections of Summit Drive at Springhill Drive and Summit Drive at Notre Dame Drive, will be the first crosswalks in Kamloops where pedestrians and cyclists will be crossing a signalized intersection together. These shared or separated crossings have unique pavement markings, as shown below.



    As cyclists and other active transportation users use the same indications as pedestrians to cross, they still need to be cautious as most collisions occur at intersections.

    For more information on cycling safety, road users can access resources at ICBC’s Cycling Safety web page. For more information on etiquette on multi-use pathways, see the City’s active transportation web page at Kamloops.ca/ActiveTransportation.

    Signal operation and timing may require fine-tuning once the new signal is in operation, and road users may experience some congestion on their daily route while these adjustments are worked out.

  • Project Update for November 17

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    Urban Appeal Landscaping is currently preparing the construction site for winter shutdown. The week of November 21 crews will be removing equipment from the site. Nicola Street at 6th Avenue, Battle Street at 6th Avenue, and all alleys between Columbia Street and Battle Street at 6th Avenue will be reopened for the winter. The east sidewalk on 6th Avenue between Columbia Street and Battle Street will also be reopened. The inbound bus stop on 6th Avenue between Columbia Street and Nicola Street will remain closed.

    Crews will recommence work in spring 2023 starting with the completion of Phase 1 (6th Avenue between Columbia Street and Battle Street) and then moving onto Phase 2 (6th Avenue between Battle Street and Lansdowne Street).

    We thank the local residents and businesses, as well as motorists, pedestrians and transit users travelling through the site, for their patience during the first phase of the 6th Avenue Bike Lane project.

  • Project Update for October 5

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    Urban Appeal Landscaping started construction on the 6th Avenue Bike Lane (part of the Summit-Downtown Active Transportation Connection) this month. The bike lane, which will run from Columbia Street to Lansdowne Street, was intended to be completed this fall. However, due to unexpected delays, the project team has decided to schedule the work over two phases.

    The first phase, which will include the work between Columbia Street and Battle Street, will be completed this fall. The second phase will take place in spring 2023, and complete the remaining portion from Battle Street to Lansdowne Street.

    We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.



    Effective October 5 until completion of Phase 1:

    • In order to accommodate the work, there will be road and alley closures on the east side of 6th Avenue between Columbia Street and Battle Street (including Nicola Street at 6th Avenue and Battle Street at 6th Avenue, and all alleys in between Columbia Street and Battle Street at 6th Avenue).
    • Crosswalks on 6th Avenue between Battle Street and Nicola Street will be closed.


    Effective Tuesday, October 11 until completion of Phase 1:

    • The west bound right turn lane on Columbia Street at 6th Avenue will be closed.
    • 6th Avenue between Columbia Street and Battle Street will be reduced to one lane of traffic, each direction.
    • Heavy trucks will not be allowed on 6th Ave.

    The week of October 11:

    • Crews will be working on the east side of 6th Avenue between Nicola Street and Battle Street. There will be no on street parking or driveway access for residents located within this area during this time period.
    • On-street parking and driveway/alley accesses on the west side of 6th Avenue are NOT impacted.


  • Work to Begin on 6th Avenue Bike Lane

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    Urban Appeal Landscaping will begin work on September 12, 2022 and the project is anticipated to be completed by the end of November. Construction is scheduled to occur Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–5:00 pm, with the possibility of evening or weekend work if required.

    Resident and Business Impacts

    Throughout the construction period, vibratory compaction equipment may be in use; therefore, any fragile items should be packaged or protected from damage due to vibration. There may also be noise disruption due to equipment on site.

    Garbage collection will not be impacted.

    Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times via the west sidewalk.

    Traffic and Transit Impacts

    One travel lane in each direction will be maintained.

    Inbound (northbound) transit stops will be closed temporarily on 6th Avenue, but outbound (southbound) stops will remain open.

    Please obey all traffic control personnel, signage, and equipment when driving in the vicinity. Expect delays and plan accordingly.


  • $4 Million Grant Advances Active Transportation in Kamloops

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    July 15, 2021


    Kamloops, BC - The City of Kamloops is pleased to be the recipient of a $4-million grant through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream, which will go toward important cycling, pedestrian, and transit infrastructure to better connect our city.

    The grant was announced today by Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. The funding will help to fast track active transportation and accessibility priorities in Kamloops, namely the Summit-Downtown Active Transportation Connection. This project, which was originally scheduled to be completed in two stages—the Summit portion in 2021/2022 and the 6th Avenue portion in 2023/2024—will start later this year.

    The Summit-Downtown connection includes two components that will create key connections in the City’s active transportation network. The Summit Multi-Use Path is a 850 m, 3 m-wide, separated pathway with lighting upgrades and traffic signal installation that will connect the south end (top) of the Xget’tem’ Trail at Notre Dame Drive to the Summit Drive bike lane at Whiteshield Crescent South. The north end of the Xget’tem’ Trail will be connected to the Lansdowne Transit Exchange via Kamloops’ first two-way protected bike lane along 6th Avenue, which will be 560 m in length.

    This project is part of the North-South Kamloops Bicycle Corridor, a continuous bicycle route from Aberdeen to Batchelor Heights. Future phases of this corridor include cycling infrastructure between Aberdeen and Upper Sahali along Highway 5A and connections from Batchelor Heights to Westmount, which are prioritized in the City’s Transportation Master Plan.

    “We are encouraged by this significant commitment from the provincial and federal governments to help make our city more cycling, pedestrian, and transit friendly,” commented Purvez Irani, the City’s Transportation Manager. “This project will make it easier and safer for residents to travel and access transit using active transportation modes between several neighbourhoods, including Upper and Lower Sahali, the Downtown, and the North Shore.”

  • January 26 Report to Council

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    View the Summit-Downtown Report to City Counil to be presented on January 26, 2021 here.

  • Summit-Downtown Connection Advances Kamloops’ Active Transportation Network

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    January 15, 2021 – The City of Kamloops is moving forward with a project that will support a continuous north-south bicycle route from Aberdeen to Batchelor Heights and create key connections in the City’s active transportation network. The Summit-Downtown Active Transportation Connection completes the links on either end of the Xget’tem’ Trail to create a continuous route from the top of Summit Drive to the Lansdowne Transit Exchange.

    This project includes two components. The Summit Multi-Use Path is a 3 m-wide, separated pathway with lighting upgrades and traffic signal installation that will connect the south end (top) of the Xget’tem’ Trail at Notre Dame Drive to the Summit Drive bike lane at Whiteshield Crescent South. The north end of the Xget’tem’ Trail will be connected to the Lansdowne Transit Exchange via Kamloops’ first two-way protected bike lane along 6th Avenue.

    The protected 6th Avenue Bike Lane is a substantial upgrade to a proposed painted bike lane on 5th Avenue, which was identified in the Transportation Master Plan as a priority, and includes several improvements between Columbia Street and Lansdowne Street.

    “We have studied the traffic volumes and growth projections on 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue in consideration of current use and future growth needs,” said Purvez Irani, the City’s Transportation Manager. “The width of 6th Avenue allows us to create a safe cycling environment for all ages and abilities (AAA) while connecting to our transit system with very minimal impacts to traffic or parking.”

    Traffic on 6th Avenue will be reduced to two lanes (one lane in each direction) to construct a two-way, separated, all ages and abilities bike facility, improve transit shelters, construct left turn lanes, and complete other beautification upgrades.

    Interested residents are invited to provide feedback on this project via the project page at LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/Summit-Downtown or by attending a virtual information session on January 25, at 4:00 pm. The link for this session will be provided on the Let’s Talk page.

    The Transportation Master Plan outlines several future projects to create a safe and convenient bicycle network for existing and new cyclists to travel across the city for commuting or recreational trips. Future phases of this network include multi-use pathways between Batchelor Heights and the Rivers Trail and between Summit Drive and Aberdeen Drive.

    This project is currently scheduled for construction in 2022; however, staff will be requesting Council’s authorization on January 26 to apply for a recently announced grant program that would allow these projects to be completed this year and expedite construction of future phases, such as the Batchelor Heights multi-use path. The deadline for the grant application is January 27, 2021.

    To learn more about the Downtown-Summit Active Transportation Connection and subscribe for updates, visit LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/Summit-Downtown.

Page last updated: 10 Mar 2023, 04:14 PM