Construction is set to begin on upgrades that will improve safety and the flow of traffic at two key intersections on the Nanaimo Parkway.

“I had the pleasure of announcing this project during the launch of B.C. on the Move in March 2015 and I’m excited to see work get underway on one of our top priorities,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone. “The work at these intersections will improve access on and off the highway into the community, and is part of the $193-million-plus investment committed by this government and our partners into transportation projects on Vancouver Island since last spring.”

The project involves constructing dual southbound left-turn lanes on Highway 19 at the intersections of Jinglepot Road/Mostar Road and Jinglepot Road/Third Street in order to accommodate the high volumes of left-turning traffic at these locations. Additional lanes will also be built on Mostar Road and Third Street to receive traffic coming from the dual left turn lanes. The signal timing at both locations will be adjusted, and existing lighting at the intersections will be upgraded to LED standards.

“We’ve seen a steady increase in the volume of traffic on Highway 19 since the Nanaimo Parkway opened in the 1990s,” said Social Development and Social Innovation Minister and MLA for Parksville-Qualicum Michelle Stilwell. “This project will improve safety, ease congestion during peak hours, and will be especially beneficial to the large number of commuters and commercial vehicles heading in and out of town by providing more capacity at these intersections.”

A contract for $1.18 million has been awarded to Hub City Paving of Nanaimo. Weather permitting, construction will start before the end of March and is expected to be finished in late spring 2016. Intermittent lane closures will be in place through the signals while crews are working. Travellers are asked to allow extra time, use caution, follow all signs and watch for traffic control personnel. For up-to-date traffic advisories, please check: http://www.drivebc.ca/