Drivers near Salmon Arm should prepare for slower travel next week as utility work on Highway 97B begins just after Thanksgiving. The roadwork will overlap with daytime closures on the nearby Bruhn Bridge, creating traffic challenges for those using either route.
According to transportation officials, the utility project on Highway 97B is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, October 14, through Tuesday, October 21. Work will occur between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily, during daylight hours when traffic is usually moderate. While this timing aims to reduce major congestion, minor delays are still expected.
The affected stretch of Highway 97B spans 3.6 kilometres between Black Road and 10 Avenue SE. During this period, the route will be reduced to single-lane alternating traffic. DriveBC has advised motorists to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and remain patient as crews complete the necessary upgrades.
This work comes as Highway 97B serves as the alternate route for drivers impacted by the closure of the Bruhn Bridge in Sicamous. The bridge, which connects key points along Highway 1, will undergo daytime closures starting Wednesday, October 15. With both projects running simultaneously, drivers can expect congestion in the Salmon Arm and Sicamous areas throughout the week.
Local residents and commuters who rely on these routes are being encouraged to check DriveBC.ca for real-time updates on road conditions and closure schedules. The website offers live traffic maps, construction notices, and alternative route information to help minimize disruption during the construction period.
Highway maintenance and utility upgrades are essential to keeping British Columbia’s road network safe and efficient. The work on Highway 97B includes improvements to underground utilities that serve nearby communities. Crews will work to ensure the infrastructure remains reliable as the region continues to grow.
For many residents of Salmon Arm and Sicamous, the timing of the construction poses an inconvenience as it follows the Thanksgiving long weekend, when road travel is typically heavy. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has coordinated the schedules to balance safety, progress, and traffic flow, aiming to finish the work before winter weather arrives.
Motorists passing through the area are reminded to drive carefully through construction zones. Reduced speed limits will be in place, and flaggers will be on-site to manage alternating traffic. Authorities stress that patience and caution are key to preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of both drivers and road workers.
Local businesses may also feel the effects of the slower traffic, as some drivers could choose to avoid the area during construction hours. However, city officials hope the impact will be short-term, with long-term benefits expected once the upgrades are complete.
Residents who commute daily between Salmon Arm and Sicamous are advised to leave earlier than usual during the affected week. Commercial drivers, in particular, should plan for possible congestion and check travel advisories before starting their routes.
Despite the temporary inconvenience, the upgrades are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure and support smoother transportation across the Shuswap region. The project is expected to be completed by October 21 if weather conditions remain favourable.
Transportation authorities appreciate the cooperation of the public during this time and remind everyone to stay informed. Updated travel alerts and any changes to the construction schedule will be posted on DriveBC.ca as work progresses.
With both the Highway 97B utility work and the Bruhn Bridge closures taking place in mid-October, drivers in the region are encouraged to stay alert, patient, and prepared. While delays are expected, these essential improvements will help ensure safer and more reliable travel for residents and visitors in the months ahead.
