New sidewalks and raised crosswalks will soon be installed outside of Penticton's Uplands Elementary, as the city continues its work to improve safety around local schools.
Construction will begin on Monday, July 8, with Middle Bench Road set to be closed to traffic on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., as a result of the work. The road will only be open to nearby residents and to those who need access to the school, according to the city.
The upcoming project at Uplands Elementary -- which includes the installation of sidewalks on both sides of the road, as well as raised crosswalks and curbs -- is part of the "Safe Route to School" initiative.
Crews will add storm infrastructure to prevent future flooding, the city added.
The "Safe Routes to School" initiative is a result of city officials working with School District 67, staff, and parent advisory committees.
Council also recently voted to set permanent 30km/h speed limits in school zones 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those changes will be made by the time kids return to school in September.
Municipal politicians also directed staff to send a letter to the province expressing support for municipal autonomy in setting default speed limits.
After work at Uplands Elementary is complete, the city says it will conduct safety studies at Columbia Elementary and the future Skaha Elementary.