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KELOWNA, B.C. – B.C. Conservative Party Leader John Rustad is calling for a second bridge for the Kelowna region to alleviate growing traffic congestion.

Rustad is citing a rise in population in Kelowna and West Kelowna and a 2017 report commissioned by the provincial government that projected Kelowna’s current bridge would reach full capacity by 2040 as reasons for the new build.

“Despite having a clear report in their (the B.C. NDP) hands for over seven years, they’ve chosen inaction. Meanwhile, residents of Kelowna and West Kelowna are left to deal with daily traffic bottlenecks and delays,” Rustad said.

A B.C. Conservative release said the party, if elected, would work with the municipalities of Kelowna and West Kelowna to find the most appropriate site for a new Okanagan Lake crossing and said the project would be prioritized in the provincial capital plan with completion targeted for the end of the decade.

“Kelowna is one of B.C.’s fastest-growing cities, and its success is crucial to the prosperity of the entire province. Our party is committed to ensuring that B.C.’s transportation infrastructure meets the needs of our growing communities,” Rustad said.