The provincial government has chipped in funding to help the City of Nanaimo complete phase two of its Metral Dr. upgrade. Phase one completed in the summer of 2021. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
funding announcement

$500k awarded for Metral Drive phase 2 project

Sep 17, 2021 | 1:41 PM

NANAIMO — Another round of provincial funds geared toward active transportation projects are flowing to Nanamo.

The B.C. Government announced Nanaimo received $500,000 for phase two of its Metral Drive Complete Street project, which is currently under construction.

The initiative involves a 1.7 kilometer stretch of Metral Dr. between Turner Rd. and Aulds Rd. being narrowed and repaved, while sidewalks along the entire stretch are being installed, along with raised unidirectional cycle lanes.

A separate injection of $500,000 from the province was awarded last year for phase one of the project, which was recently completed on Metral Dr. from Turner Rd. to Mostar Rd.

Phase 2 of overhauling the busy corridor is expected to be done by next spring.

The Metral Drive Complete Street project includes multiple pedestrian safety features, including raised intersections.

The project resulted in a Community Excellence Award for the City at the recent Union of BC Municipalities Convention.

The entire project estimated at $10.5 million received substantial funding from gas tax revenue, according to the City.

On Friday, Sept 17, the province awarded $12.7 million toward shovel-ready active transportation projects to 33 B.C. Communities to increase walking, cycling and improve safety to vulnerable road users.

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