Central Okanagan Bypass

The Central Okanagan Bypass (formerly known as the North End Connector) has been part of the City's Major Road Network Plan since the 1970s and as such is part of the City’s Official Community Plan.

As the city and surrounding regions grow, the Central Okanagan Bypass will help to alleviate traffic congestion on Highway 97. Envisioned as an express route or bypass of the commercial areas along Highway 97, there will be no direct access between intersections.

Design of the first phase of the Central Okanagan Bypass, between Ellis Street and Spall Road is underway, with construction planned for 2006. Running along the existing Clement Avenue from Ellis Street to Gordon Drive, Clement Avenue will be upgraded at intersections and along the frontage of new development.

Between Gordon Drive and Spall Road, the existing High Road alignment will be used in some locations. A new section of roadway will need to be constructed to tie in directly to the Clement/Gordon intersection, and to run along the north side of the railroad tracks. The new four-lane roadway would travel underneath the bridge on Bernard Avenue near the Apple Bowl before intersecting with Spall Road. (Estimated cost: $14.4 million; construction: 2006)

Further phases of the Central Okanagan Bypass are expected to be in place within the next 20 years, which will extend from Spall Road to McCurdy Road. Spall Road to Highway 33 will be completed in the next five to seven years, and the section from Highway 33 to McCurdy Road by 2020.

The alignment will be just north of the existing railway tracks to a point west of Highway 33; the road will then follow the toe of Dilworth Mountain to McCurdy Rd.

Click here to view a map of the Central Okanagan Bypass.