VERNON, B.C. — The City of Vernon is proposing building a truck bypass that would reduce the time it takes truckers to get through the city.

The proposed truck route would branch off Hwy. 97 near Okanagan University College, travel through Department of National Defence lands and then run along the O’Keefe Range before rejoining Hwy. 97 near the Swan Lake overpass, local media is reporting.

The detour would be about 11 kilometres long, but although it would add some distance to a trucker’s run, it would take less time to traverse.

The bypass is still in its formative stages, and with an estimated cost of $160 million, it may be some time before it comes to fruition.

"Were all aware that money isn’t going to be spent anytime soon," Vernon Mayor, Sean Harvey tells local media. "It could happen anywhere from five to 15 years out."

The local Chamber of Commerce has been quick to support the idea of a truck bypass.

"The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce supports the concept of a heavy truck route," says chamber president Ian Hawes. "In other cities, heavy truck routes have improved pedestrian safety, reduced air pollution and contributed to improved commerce in the downtown core."