A portion of Third Street is in for an overhaul later this year. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Complete Street

‘Complete Street’ to be established near downtown Nanaimo

Jan 9, 2025 | 6:03 AM

NANAIMO — Modernizing a section of Third St. represents a notable pending construction project, featuring raised cycling lanes on both sides of the street.

A bulk of the work slated between Howard Ave. and Pine St. is anticipated to begin by this summer and last a few months, according to City of Nanaimo engineering project technologist Rob Shearer.

“The Third St. project is fundamentally at its core a utility-driven initiative addressing the urgent needs to replace water, sanitary and storm. Those underground utilities have reached the end of their service lives,” Shearer told NanaimoNewsNOW.

He anticipates a construction tender will be issued this spring and that the project will cost in the $5 million range.

Speaking to the issue of creating a safer environment for all road users, Shearer said road narrowing will help slow down traffic and improve safety at the Third St./Howard Ave. Intersection.

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Establishing better sightlines for motorists of non-vehicular users will be a noticeable upgrade, Shearer pointed out.

“The addition of nice continuous widened sidewalks, raised crossings and our tactile warning surfaces, ensures safer and more comfortable walking environments, particularly for those with mobility challenges or mobility impairments.”

Enhancements to the Third St/Howard Ave intersection are included in pending below ground and surface-level work along a busy stretch of road on the edge of Nanaimo’s downtown. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Establishing Complete Streets has been ongoing throughout Nanaimo for many years with varying degrees of surface-level amenities.

Shearer said the extensive Metral Dr. Complete St. Project is a comparable example of what can be expected on a much shorter section of Third St.

“It’s designed to match the standards and elevate to council priorities for the surrounding network,” he said.

Shearer said it’s too early to speculate the level of disruptions the Third St. project will cause, but said a detailed traffic management plan will be included which will accommodate locally impacted residents and emergency vehicles.

He notes development cost charges and a nearly $500,000 active transportation infrastructure grant will help absorb the project’s costs.

Elevated bike lanes will added on both sides of Third St. between Howard Ave. and Pine St. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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