TRAVEL ADVISORY TO PENTICTON IN EFFECT

*UPDATE* WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3

Highway 97 north of Summerland remains open to two-way traffic. It will occasionally be closed for brief periods due to ongoing construction efforts. Drivers are reminded that this portion of the road may need to be closed again with limited notice if it is deemed unsafe. The site will be at greater likelihood of closure should heavy rainfall occur. Travel times may vary. Before planning your route, continue to check https://drivebc.ca/

Crews have completed temporary work to allow traffic access through the site after the section of highway was closed August 28, 2023 because of a rockslide. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure contractors built a lock-block wall to protect the highway from falling rock. In addition, a 150-metre berm between the lock-block wall and the bottom of the slope was constructed to temporarily address slope movement. Construction of permanent stabilization measures will continue.

*UPDATE* THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5
Highway 97 north of Summerland is now open to two-way traffic – expect delays.

Please be aware that the road may need to be closed again with limited notice if deemed unsafe. The site will be at greater likelihood of closure should heavy rainfall occur. Drivers are asked to use caution, obey speed limits, and follow the directions of traffic-control personnel.

Maintenance and upkeep of the detour routes will remain active at this time to ensure they are still viable alternative routes if and when needed. Before planning your route, continue to check https://drivebc.ca/

At this time, there is no timeline on when the highway will fully re-open to traffic in both directions.

*UPDATE* TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Highway 97 north of Summerland is now open to single-lane-alternating traffic. Drivers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes at the site during peak travel times.

At this time, there is no timeline on when the highway will fully re-open to traffic in both directions.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Highway 97 is currently closed between Penticton and Peachland due to a landslide between Callan Rd and Okanagan Lake Provincial Park (2km north of Summerland). Alternate routes are available via Highways 97C, 5A, and 3 or Highway 33. If you are in Kelowna and travelling to Penticton, the best-suggested route is Highway 33 down to Rock Creek and up through Osoyoos.

For those who are comfortable driving on Forest Service Roads and have the appropriate vehicle to do so, there are alternative options that do come with additional weight and speed restrictions:

  • Peachland to Summerland – Princeton/Summerland, Trout Main, Brenda Mines
  • Penticton to Kelowna – OK Falls Forest Service Route 201

If you are traveling to Penticton or the South Okanagan from the lower mainland or Alberta, Highway 3 is the suggested and best route to get here.

Always check Drive BC before heading out on the road to learn about the current conditions along your planned route, including webcams, closures, restrictions and advisories, construction delays, or detours. 

For more information, visit www.visitpenticton.com/know-before-you-go/