Project Update - 2023

The final phase of the Houghton ATC is expected to start construction Spring of 2023! The corridor will be constructed between Hollywood Road N. and Rutland Road N.

Forming part of the City’s primary ATC network, the Houghton Road ATC runs east-west with an eastern terminus located at the intersection of Mugford Road and Rutland Road, and a western connection to the Okanagan Rail Trail located approximately 2.6 km to the west as shown in Figure 1, connecting the Rutland neighborhood to the rail trail and beyond.

Figure 1 - click to view larger

The first phase of the Houghton Road ATC from Hollywood Road to Nickel Road was previously constructed and established the corridor’s cross section model moving forward with a 4.0 m wide multi-use pathway at boulevard grades. This grade puts the path at sidewalk elevation, rather than at road grade, meaning there are ramps at the road crossings.

Phase 2 of the corridor which runs from Nickel Road to the Okanagan Rail Trail network on the west side of Mill Creek and is nearing completion.

The final phase of the Houghton ATC, Phase 3, is expected to start construction Spring of 2023. Phases 2 and 3 have been designed to generally follow the phase 1 cross section’s 4.0 m wide multi-use path, providing for a consistent and uniform ATC corridor for end users.

Rendering of McIntosh Rd looking East in front Rutland Centennial Park - click to view larger

Have a question for the design team about this new phase?

Leave it in the Q&A section below.

Background

The Houghton Road Active Transportation Corridor connection will create an all ages and abilities multi-use path between the Rutland neighbourhood and Okanagan Rail Trail.

The project creates a new access point to the Okanagan Rail Trail, one of Kelowna's most popular active transportation routes due to its connections to key destinations and separation from motor vehicles. The Okanagan Rail Trail is a regional pathway that will eventually connect Kelowna to Vernon.

In 2018, a study was completed to determine the best route to connect the Houghton Road Active Transportation Corridor (ATC) to the Okanagan Rail Trail. We considered public feedback on four potential options that were considered for this connection.

Public engagement

In spring 2018, we asked for your feedback on four potential route options to connect the Houghton ATC to the Okanagan Rail Trail. Engagement has concluded, and a summary of what we heard is included in the 'Project updates' section below.

Preferred route: option four / Leathead Road

The Leathead Road option (with a route along Lester Road, Leathead Road and Enterprise Road) has been selected as the preferred route.

Benefits of this option:

• Good natural surveillance
• Simple construction
• Least environmental impact (uses existing bridge across Mill Creek)
• Lowest annual maintenance costs
• Lower cost