Drivers can expect some delays along Bowen Rd. near Beban Park as the City due to construction work from this Saturday, March 11 to March 26. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW) 

By Alex Rawnsley

EXPECT DELAYS

Bowen Rd. temporarily reducing to single lane for major construction project

Mar 10, 2023 | 12:03 PM

NANAIMO — Expect delays on a major thoroughfare through the city over the next two weeks.

Underground water pipes and other infrastructure for the Midtown Water Supply project, in conjunction with the similarly named Midtown Gateway Project, will begin being laid underneath Bowen Rd. beginning at 5 a.m. on Saturday, March 11.

Kurtis Noble, capital project management specialist with the City, told NanaimoNewsNOW the work means a reduction of traffic is needed.

“Drivers on Bowen Rd., they’re going to experience single lane per direction between Northfield Rd. and Whitney Rd.”

Traffic along a stretch of Bowen Rd. will be reduced, alongside a closure of the Rosstown Rd. intersection. It’s all to accommodate work on two major infrastructure projects. (Google Maps)

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The Rosstown Rd. intersection with Bowen Rd. will also close for the duration of work, expected to wrap on March 26.

“Drivers that usually access that intersection are going to be asked to detour around using Pheasant Terr. or Labieux Rd.,” Noble added.

Noble admitted the area will be congested, as Bowen Rd. is one of the City’s busiest roadways, however, it’s needed work.

The Midtown Water Supply project is poised to future-proof the City’s ability to distribute and deal with water for a growing population, while the Gateway is hoped to better manage traffic through the Bowen Rd. and Northfield Rd. corridor.

“Construction during spring break was an intentional decision as another means to hopefully minimize the overall disruption to the public as we typically see lower traffic volumes during this time.”

Some sidewalks in the area are also closed off, including a stretch on the east side of Bowen Rd., from Frank Crane Arena to the entrance into Beban Plaza.

City crews ask anyone in the area to please be patient, follow instructions from traffic control personnel on-site and take a detour away from the area if necessary.

Noble added all businesses in the area, including facilities and programs at Beban Park, remain open throughout the work.

— with files from Jordan Davidson

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