A construction tender is expected to be awarded shortly to build a new roundabout in Qualicum Beach on Hwy. 19A at Memorial Ave. (Town of Qualicum Beach)

By Ian Holmes

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May 16, 2020 | 6:45 AM

NANAIMO — The Town of Qualicum Beach is going all-in on the increasingly popular way to calm and direct traffic.

Construction is about to begin on the second roundabout in the area at the Town’s most strategic intersection, with plans for others in the future.

Mayor Brian Wiese said a roundabout replacing a stop sign on Hwy. 19A at Memorial Ave. will be a critical addition for traffic calming and flow.

“Making a left turn onto Highway 19A from Memorial Ave. was always a hazard, always scary, especially in the tourist season,” Wiese said. “A roundabout will make it a lot easier for that left turn onto the waterfront.”

The intersection is the highest crash site in Qualicum Beach, based on ICBC data.

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Wiese said the intersection will blend their heavily foot-trafficked prized waterfront with slower moving vehicles.

He said two more roundabouts are planned locally in the future: Village Way at Highway 19A. and Village Way and Qualicum Rd.

Qualicum Beach’s first roundabout was built several years ago on Memorial Ave. at Rupert Rd. Wiese recalled it led to a six-month adjustment period for motorists.

“Everyone loves it, everyone follows the rules, its worked out great so no anticipated issues there.”

Nanaimo, 10 times the population of Qualicum Beach, has four relatively new roundabouts and several smaller residential traffic circles. The latest roundabout in Nanaimo is the two-and-a-half year-old double-laned device on top of Rutherford Rd.

The City’s transportation manager Jamie Rose said there is only one more definite roundabout in their plans as part of the Boxwood Rd. connector project just off Northfield Rd.

He said the incoming roundabout will be a multi-year project likely to begin in 2022.

Rose said while collision data is preliminary on the safety benefits of roundabouts in Nanaimo, anecdotally they are functioning as intended and the public should expect to see more in the coming years.

“It’s something that we’re going to have to come to terms with once we’ve got more information as to how much land we have and how much volumes we anticipate seeing in the short, medium and long term,” Rose told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Rose said research widely shows roundabouts have numerous positive qualities, including reducing motor vehicle crashes, injuries and fatalities. He said roundabouts also provide a safer place for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and have environmental benefits.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes