Bottlenecks at the heart of Nanaimo's Harewood neighbourhood are being addressed with a new traffic signal. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

traffic light

Crews installing traffic light at busy Harewood intersection

Jul 10, 2023 | 5:21 AM

NANAIMO — Traffic is poised to move more efficiently later this year through an increasingly busy south end intersection prone to consistent back-ups.

Starting Monday, July 10 contractors will be installing a traffic signal at the Bruce Ave., Fifth St. intersection to better control flow through the area, according to the City of Nanaimo’s manager of transportation Jamie Rose.

“Four-way stop will operate pretty well up to a point, but we were hitting that juncture where we need to provide a bit more control and direction to the different users to help them navigate through the intersection,” Rose said.

He anticipates the signalled intersection won’t be operational until October, noting the intersection will still be functional, but delays are expected and alternate routes during daytime hours are recommended.

With considerable growth in the Harewood neighbourhood in recent years, Rose said the Bruce Ave., Fifth St. intersection hit a point where more control was required to properly serve all road users.

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He pointed to peak morning and afternoon periods as particularly challenging.

“Typically what that results in is driver frustration, then sometimes poor decision making, higher risk-taking.”

Artist’s rendering of what the Fifth St., Bruce Ave. intersection will look like. (City of Nanaimo)

While a roundabout was examined as a possible solution, it wasn’t an ideal option given severe space restraints, Rose said.

“It didn’t seem to be the most logical approach. We looked at the signal and how we can incorporate walking, biking, cars, transit all into it and we are pretty happy with the outcome we’ve come up with.”

Rose said non-vehicular safety features are included in the project, which is costing the City $1.3 million.

Left turn bays on all approaches will be created, but dedicated lighted green turn arrows won’t be operational anytime soon, Rose noted.

“That’s an option that we have for the future if we need it.”

Rose said about 9,000 vehicles pass through the Bruce Ave., Fifth St. intersection on a daily basis, while about 550 pedestrians cross the intersection daily as well as 125 cyclists.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes