Artists rendering of a new roundabout now under construction on Hwy. 19A and Memorial Ave. (Town of Qualicum Beach)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

new roundabout

Construction starts on new Qualicum Beach highway roundabout

Feb 23, 2021 | 8:44 AM

QUALICUM BEACH — Construction for a roundabout has begun to replace a busy intersection on Hwy. 19A and Memorial Ave.

The Town of Qualicum Beach anticipated the project would be concluded in August or September, however motorists are told to brace for some delays.

Some traffic will be redirected away from the intersection during construction, the Town stated in an email.

“But the contractor will aim to reduce traffic to one lane where possible rather than redirection.”

The setup of Hwy. 19A and Memorial Ave. in Qualicum Beach, as of May 2018. The new setup would replace a 3-way intersection with a roundabout. (Google Maps)

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The new roundabout will include bike lanes.

Initial phases involve utility work, including having above ground wires placed underground.

In late 2020 Qualicum Beach council hired a contractor for nearly $3.3 million do the work.

At the time mayor Brian Weise called the highly anticipated project a safer new connection between the uptown core and the waterfront.

“With the implementation of the roundabout, vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists are able to experience a safer, more user-friendly way to access the waterfront.”

The town stated roundabouts are proven tools to improve safety for all intersection users, pointing to sharp reductions in fatalities and injuries.

Hwy. 19A and Memorial Ave. is one of the highest crash intersections in the Oceanside region.

According to ICBC data, 31 crashes occurred between 2015 and 2019, making it the third most crash-prone area in the Qualicum Beach area.

The Town anticipates construction of a walkway and viewing platform over the Beach Creek Estuary near the base of Memorial Ave. will be completed in 2022.

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