A $3.3 million roundabout to more safely funnel motorists and pedestrians through a busy Qualicum Beach intersection is expected to open on Thursday, Dec 2. (Town of Qualicum Beach)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

new roundabout

Roundabout at key Qualicum Beach intersection poised to open

Dec 1, 2021 | 4:46 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — A transformational adjustment to traffic flow in Qualicum Beach is about to take shape.

Weather permitting, the Town expects its highly anticipated roundabout at the base of Memorial Avenue and Highway 19A to open on Thursday, Dec 2.

Bob Weir, the Town’s director of engineering, said the device will more safely connect their two top assets — the waterfront and village core.

“It will act more as a traffic calming element as we’re trying to slow people down and go them to go along the waterfront which is always highly occupied by visitors, pedestrians and cyclists in the summer time.”

Weir said anticipated dry weather on Thursday morning for necessary line painting is required to open the traffic feature.

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The high crash intersection had been especially dangerous for motorists attempting to turn left at the stop sign at the base of Memorial Ave. to proceed north on the highway.

“It’s absolutely terrible, it’s used by a lot of visitors. The lessons we’ve learned on the roundabout on Rupert Rd. tell us that this is exactly the way to improve access and safety,” Weir said.

Turning left from Memorial Ave. onto Hwy 19A had historically been dangerous and stress-inducing for motorists. (Google)

The roundabout will anchor future complimentary active transportation upgrades, including pathways, on the waterfront in Qualicum Beach as part of the Town’s Waterfront Master Plan, Weir said.

Traffic had been detoured around the intersection for the past ten months while crews constructed the roundabout.

The project came in over budget at $3.3 million, Weir said.

Qualicum Beach’s first roundabout was installed several years ago to anchor the western entrance to the community on Memorial Ave. at Rupert Rd.

The Town continues to have its eye on a potential third roundabout to the south on Hwy 19A at Village Way, however Qualicum Beach has been unsuccessful in obtaining grant funding, Weir noted.

He said advanced conceptual designs are in place for that project which remains high on their wish list.

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