We now have a timeline for when a municipal promise to the Province will be fulfilled to increase traffic flows to and from Cascades Casino.

The City of Kamloops has confirmed that March 15th will see the start of construction to create a 2nd left turn lane off of the Exit 367 off-ramp to Pacific Way.

Pacific Way is the quickest access route for those coming up through downtown Kamloops to access popular shopping locations in the area, including Costco, as well as the Aberdeen Mall.

It’s also a major access point for many who live and work in Aberdeen.

“Construction will begin on March 15, 2025, in conjunction with School District No. 73’s spring break schedule when traffic activity tends to decrease,” said the City of Kamloops in a release issued on Tuesday.   “The project’s expected completion is the end of June 2025.”

During a portion of the 14-week period, the off-ramp will remain partially open.

However, the City is warning that part of the project — most likely toward the front-half the construction — will require the off-ramp’s complete shutdown.

“During the project, there will be considerable impacts on residents, businesses, commuters, and visitors along the Pacific Way (Exit 367) corridor, most notably when the off-ramp is fully closed for four to six weeks during the project,” noted the City of Kamloops.   “A closure timeline will be available as the project start date approaches.”

While this is going to have a sizeable impact on traffic flows in and out of both Aberdeen and Dufferin, those who want to get into and out of the area are being given the “choose your own adventure” option.

“Given the significant volumes of commuter traffic in the area, a specific detour route is not being suggested,” noted the City.  “Instead, signage will be posted to guide commuters and visitors in finding the most direct and appropriate route to their destination.”

Even after the main work is complete, there are still expected to be snags for those trying to use Exit 367.

“Following the full off-ramp closure and until the end of the project, the ramp will partially reopen with some restricted movements as the construction crew moves through the project,” noted the City.

The project itself is something the City of Kamloops is obligated to carry out on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.

Around 10 years ago, then-City Council bent to demands from the Province to do traffic flow upgrades leading the Casino’s new location, which is the former Rona Hardware building at 1550 Versatile.

The move was approved by the Council-of-the-day, in spite of a staff recommendation against the caveat, as provincial approvals would be required to make the shift of the casino possible.

The move now to add the 2nd left turn lane on to the Exit 367 off-ramp has also pushed back other projects connected to the north Kamloops interchange confluence where Halston Ave.,

Originally pegged at a cost of $2.3 million, the City now estimates the bill to add the 2nd left-hand turn lane is going to set the City of Kamloops back $3.4 million.

While routes into Dufferin will be less affected, the construction is going to create a lot more challenges for those heading — as an example — to Costco — which will make the trip significantly longer in distance, not factoring in time spent in through-traffic and at uncontrolled intersections along the alternate routes during the construction.

The City is going to be making itself available for anyone who wants to learn more about the project and its potential impacts.

“Residents are invited to learn more about the work by visiting a project information booth at the centre court in Aberdeen Mall from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday, February 22, 2025,” said the City in its release.

“Chat with the project team, view design drawings, and familiarize yourself with the project details.”