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Long-awaited Northfield intersection upgrades set to begin

Feb 19, 2018 | 4:47 PM

NANAIMO — Construction is finally getting underway on a much-maligned Nanaimo intersection.

Work on the high-profile Northfield/Boundary/Hwy. 19A project begins Feb. 20 after years of delays and debate over costs related to the intersection’s rail crossing.

The City said people should expect delays and changes to the traffic pattern during construction. Detours are likely and access to Northfield Rd. from the highway will be closed periodically.

Completion will happen in phases, the City said.

“Work on Hwy. 19A (is) anticipated to be complete by June 30 and work on Northfield Rd. and Boundary Ave. (is) anticipated to be complete by December 2018.”

Upgrades to the intersection include a new traffic signal at the Boundary/Northfield intersection, dedicated left turn lane from Northfield onto Boundary, an acceleration lane for traffic merging southbound onto the highway and improved amenities for pedestrians and cyclists.

The $4.1 million project, which will be cost-shared by the City and province, has been delayed several times since 2014 and was given the final rubber stamp by Council in May 2017.

ICBC crash data ranked the intersection among the top 10 on Vancouver Island for most crashes.

You can learn more about the project and view an interactive map here.

 

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