A problematic intersection in Nanaimo is now safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians as improvements at Highway 19A and Northfield Road/Boundary Avenue are complete and open to traffic. 

“This intersection has been a safety concern for far too many years,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “It’s an important thoroughfare for locals, ferry traffic and staff at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and these improvements will have a lasting impact on the City of Nanaimo.”

The project, led by the City of Nanaimo and jointly funded by the municipality and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, focused on addressing safety concerns, pedestrian access and traffic flow for a key Nanaimo intersection.

“Our residents have been using the improved intersection for several weeks and have noticed a difference,” said Jim Goldsack, president of the Hospital Area Neighbourhood Association. “Of note — the new pedestrian walkway and tunnel, and dedicated left-turning lane onto Boundary Road.”

“Thanks to the efforts from all stakeholders involved and our partnership with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, we were able to move this project forward and are pleased to say that it is now complete,” said Mike Strain, project manager with the City of Nanaimo.

The project features include:

• protected left-turn only traffic signal from Highway 19A onto Northfield Road
• creating a dedicated left- and right-turn lanes on Northfield Road approaching Highway 19A
• new acceleration lane on Highway 19A for safer merging from Northfield Road
• dedicated left-turn lane from Northfield Road to Boundary Avenue
• new pedestrian/cyclist rail crossing and improved access to a pedestrian underpass
• pedestrian sidewalk on Northfield Road

The Province of B.C. contributed $1.85 million toward the $4.1-million project.

Learn More:

For further information visit: https://www.nanaimo.ca/construction/Details/8