The mayor of Kamloops is asking drivers to be patience and respectful using a detour in Brocklehurst for road work.

Tranquille Road is closed right now between 12th Street and Singh Street because sewer and water lines are being replaced underground.

Mayor Ken Christian says he went and visited the area himself to see how people are travelling along feeder routes.

“There’s a huge impatience amongst the driving public in terms of their attitude towards our flag people, and secondly, their misuse of the detour routes,” Christian.

“Those routes don’t have sidewalks, they’re not meant for the kinds of volumes of traffic that we’re putting through them right now. So for heaven’s sake, please exercise some patience, respect those workers in those work zones, and please respect those neighbours who we’re imposing on by driving through their neighbourhoods.”

The detour route is expected to be in place until March 19.

Work will continue all spring and summer on Tranquille Road, for the project that’s worth $11 million. The project started last year, with infrastructure being replaced between Southill and Singh streets, and the next phase this year is between Singh and 12th.

Coun. Bill Sarai says the detour route has led to long backups on Parkcrest Avenue and other feeder routes in Brocklehurst. He says people need to work together to make sure traffic can flow smoothly until construction is finished.