UPDATE Aug. 22:
A section of Splatsin te Secw茅pemc/Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail previously closed will reopen by 6 p.m. today (Friday, Aug. 22). While parts remain closed as work continues.
It will open from kilometre 2.8 at Folland Road to kilometre 4.5.The section from kilometre 4.5 south to kilometre 14.8 at Rosemond Bridge will remain closed until construction is completed and safe for passage. This work is expected to be complete by Aug. 29.
The public is asked to respect the marked construction boundaries during the closure period.
"For your safety, obey all signage to stay out of the construction zone," advises the Columbia Shuswap Regional District.
ORIGINAL Aug. 15:
Construction along the Mara Lake section of the Rail Trail will cause closures next week.
The Splatsin te Secw茅pemc/Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail from kilometre 2.8 (Folland Road) to 14.8 (Rosemond Lake Bridge) will be temporarily closed
from Monday, Aug. 18 to Friday, Aug. 22.
It is hoped that all work will be completed and the trail re-opened for public use on Saturday, Aug. 23, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) said.
The short section of trail near Sicamous from kilometre 0.5 to 2.8 will remain open for walking or biking.
The Sicamous Ferry, operated by the non-profit Sicamous Ferry Society, will continue to run during next week鈥檚 closure to provide access to the shortened section.
"For your safety, obey all signage to stay out of the construction zone," the RDNO said in asking the public to respect the marked boundaries.
The temporary closure is required for culvert installation and drainage improvements.
This work is being conducted under a provincial environmental permit, which only allows construction to take place between Aug. 7 and Aug.31 to minimize negative impacts to the Shuswap River watershed and associated fish habitat.
"The rail trail partners understand the work will be an inconvenience, especially with the increasing level of interest and excitement about this section of trail," the RDNO said. "We are committed to getting the project finished quickly so full access can resume.
"We thank the public for their patience and understanding during this short-term closure."
