April 7, 2020
Update 5 | 5: 00 pm
Crews are making progress on Bowen Road with new concrete curb and sidewalk now in.
Southbound Bowen remains closed from Meredith Road to Dufferin Crescent. One lane northbound open. Transit adjusted their south bound route.
April 4, 2020
Update 4 | 12:15 pm
In order to undertake emergency repairs on a major watermain on Bowen Road north of the intersection of Dufferin Crescent, Bowen Road will be closed to southbound through traffic at Meredith Road. Please note that this closure will be for the duration of this coming week.
Local traffic or people wishing to get to a businesses on Bowen will still be able to do so, but will not be able to travel south between James Way and Dufferin Crescent.
Northbound traffic should not be affected. Meredith Road provides a connection to Boxwood Road to the west and Boundary Avenue to the East which will allow for a detour around the site.
Update 3 | 11:45 am
There are still a few small areas of Nanaimo where the water is still off. Crews are working to restore this as quickly as possible, and anticipate it will be shortly. There were two water mains that were damaged. One of the supply mains feeds the north end of the City.
Damage to the road, sidewalk and centre median is extensive, and will require significant repairs. The City has engaged a local contractor to address the repair, and they are beginning to mobilize.
Bowen Road Southbound between Meredith Road and Dufferin Crescent remains CLOSED to traffic. Northbound Bowen is open with one lane of traffic. Transit is detouring their routes. Please use alternate routes for your commutes.
Watch a Facebook live update, at the impacted site, from the Bill Sims, General Manager of Engineering and Public Works with the City of Nanaimo.
Update 2 | 12:30 am
The water main has been shut down, and the water network is stabilized. Residents should notice a return to normal over the next couple of hours. You may find sediment in your fixtures - this is normal, and the water continues to be safe to drink. Simply flush from a cold water tap or hose bib until clear. You may need to clean your faucet screens, too.
Please also note that for April 4, 2020 Bowen Road southbound (Meredith Road to Dufferin Crescent) will be closed until further notice as crews work on fixing this major water main break. Northbound Bowen will be down to one lane. Please consider alternate routes for your commutes.
Thank you for your understanding while we work to repair the water main and road.
April 3, 2020
Update 1 | 7:13 pm
There has been a water main break on Bowen Road near Dufferin Crescent, impacting traffic in the area. Crews have been deployed to assess the situation and repairs. Please use alternative routes.
Please note that there will be low pressure or no water in several neighbourhoods in Central Nanaimo for a short period of time until crews get the water shut off, which hopefully will be very soon.
Updates will be made as they become available. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.