Numerous road construction projects slammed Nanaimo's Harewood area this year, including utility upgrades and repaving on Lambert Ave., which the City says should be done by the end of October. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

traffic jam

City official says widespread road work in Harewood nearly done

Oct 17, 2019 | 10:10 AM

NANAIMO — Numerous disruptions caused by extensive road work in Nanaimo’s Harewood neighbourhood should finally be resolved in the near future.

The City’s manager of engineering projects Phil Stewart said the vast majority of four substantial ongoing projects in Harewood should be complete by the end of October.

Stewart conceded people impacted by congestion woes in the area are “getting tired of it,” adding it has been a busy and long road construction year.

“We completely understand it can be frustrating,” Stewart told NanaimoNewsNOW. “We’re just asking people give a little bit more time for their commute and be patient with us for a couple more weeks.”

Stewart said work on Bruce Ave. at Fifth St. is slated to be complete by early next week, while Bruce Ave. between Third and Fourth St. should re-open by months end.

Skatepark refresh

Town of Ladysmith seeks public insight in reforming skateboard park

14h ago

stabbing

UPDATE: Two people stab City of Nanaimo employee with needles at Maffeo Sutton Park

16h ago

fly-in

VIDEO: 'It's so special to see these kids:' Santa makes pre-Christmas stop at Nanaimo hospital

17h ago

He said the lengthy Seventh St. restoration project is now isolated to the Park Ave. intersection and will likely wrap up in early November.

The City’s capital plan pinpointed several pressing needs in Harewood which had to be addressed, Stewart said.

“It’s an older neighbourhood. A lot of the pipes and roads in the area are at the end of their life and need to be replaced to keep our city running.”

Stewart said the City is spending $50 million on road-related infrastructure work this year, well beyond a typical year in the $30 million range.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes