Crews to fix new-look Penticton intersection after school buses struggle to make turn
Published 9:05 am Wednesday, October 7, 2026
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Construction crews are correcting what the city calls “deficiencies” on the recently completed infrastructure project at Eckhardt Avenue and Main Street.
The intersection is near Penticton Secondary School, where school buses are having difficulties navigating the reworked site since the changes took effect last month, according to spokesperson Anna Melnick.
In an email sent to parents, the school’s administration team said crews would be at the site from Oct. 5 to 9 “to improve the turning radius for buses.”
The $5.5 million Eckhardt Avenue project recently hit a milestone, with work wrapping up near Main Street directly in front of the school. Installing bike lanes and adding crosswalk safety improvements was part of the work.
But crews are back on scene, appearing to modify parts of the completed project.
“A review confirmed that some elements on the northeast corner were not constructed in accordance with the approved design,” Melnick said in an email. “The current work will correct that.”
The city said it sent crews back to work after it found “deficiencies” following the original installation.
Melnick added that modifications are also being made to the school driveway to improve bus egress.
“The work is being done within the current project budget,” she noted.
Drivers heading to and from school are being notified about traffic-pattern changes while crews are on scene.
“Please access the Pen High parking lot using Ellis Street,” the school said, adding that right turns on Eckhardt from Main Street will be impacted during this time.
“To help reduce congestion around the school, if possible, we encourage families to drop students off on Main Street or near the Penticton Public Library and have them walk the short distance to school.”
The school is encouraging parents to leave extra time for drop-off and pick-up during construction.