The City of Nanaimo is ready to flip the switch to light up traffic signals at the new intersection at Bowen Road, Boxwood Road and the Beban Parkway.
On Jan. 22, the traffic lights, crosswalks and intersection will be officially opened and the new Beban Parkway (south Beban Park entrance) and the Boxwood Road connector will start handling vehicle traffic, as well as accommodating pedestrians and cyclists.
But to give drivers on Bowen Road a heads-up that the new intersection will soon be traffic-controlled, traffic signal lights will start flashing Wednesday, Jan. 15.
The changes are intended to improve access to Beban Park, a city press release noted, with increased options, safety and comfort for people who walk, bike, take transit or drive.
Beban Parkway will connect to Beban Plaza via the new Beban Plaza Lane for drivers arriving or exiting from any direction through the new intersection.
The Midtown Gateway project is entering its final year of construction, but some road surfaces are still incomplete and may be uneven, so drivers are asked to use extra care travelling through the project area and watch for construction signs and traffic control. Traffic disruptions, night work and road closures will be ongoing until the endo of summer when the project is expected to be finished.
"Nanaimo is absolutely one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada and expanding Nanaimo’s transportation network is critical to meet the demands of our growing community,” said Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog in the release. “We’ve seen a lot of work on and around Bowen Road lately. Thanks for your continued patience. The project end is in sight."