The city of Kamloops is proposing to add a second left turn lane on the Pacific Way Exit 367 off-ramp from the Trans Canada Highway.

Interim Financial Officer, Dave Hallinan, says it is due to an increase in traffic volumes as a result of growth in Aberdeen and Pineview Valley, which he says at led to times when traffic has been backed up onto the highway.

“What we’re starting to see is increased strain with regard to the exit that comes off the highway onto Pacific Way whether individuals are turning left or right,” Hallinan said. “We’re seeing some traffic backing up and that is causing delays for people to be able to fluidly move through the areas.”

“What it entails is a doubling of the off ramp lane to provide for two left hand turns onto Pacific Way going south while still maintaining the single lane to go onto Pacific Way going north.

The $2.3 million project, which will be funded through a provincial loan, is one of 10 supplemental items going before Kamloops council this year.

“We cannot use development cost charges for ministry owned infrastructure. This is owned by the ministry within their right of way,” Development, Engineering, and Sustainability Director, Marvin Kwiatkowski, said.

“There is a push though to have these types of projects included in the legislation, so hopefully in the next year or two that will happen but at this time, there is no commitment or timeline in regard to a change in provincial legislation to address this.”

If the project is approved by council on March 7 this year, work would take place next year.