Albert / Fourth Complete Street & Utility Upgrades
The Albert/Fourth Complete Street & Utility Upgrades project consists of three major components:
- Construction of watermains on Albert Street from Pine Street to Milton Street; on Pine Street from Albert Street to Albion Street; and in the lane behind Pine Street.
- Installation of a new fish-friendly culvert across Albert Street which includes fish baffles, and fish habitat gravels.
- Continuation of the VIU Bikeway on Albert Street from Pine Street to Milton Street including widening of Albert Street between Pine Street and Kennedy Street to facilitate the installation of concrete sidewalks, concrete curbs, cycling facilities, and street lighting.
Did you know? VIU is currently the City's largest cycling destination.
Continuation of the dedicated cycling facilities on Albert Street was established as a Council priority at the Special Finance and Audit Committee meeting of December 4, 2020. The project scope was revised at the Special Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on November 19, 2021.
This is the second phase of the Albert/Fourth Complete Street project. Phase 1, which runs from Harewood Road to Pine Street, was completed in the Summer of 2022.
Project Area:
Want to Know More?
Check out the additional information under the tabs below for photo realistic artistic renditions of the completed project, a Q&A forum, background information, and more!
Questions?
Email Albert.Fourth@nanaimo.ca | Phone 250-756-5321
Gallery
- Progress
Albert / Fourth Complete Street & Utility Upgrades
Construction of this project has now been completed and the work is under maintenance.
- Summer 2021 - Community engagement materials prepared and webpage published (completed)
- Fall 2021 - Council presentation and update (completed)
- Fall 2022 - 100% Design (completed)
- January 2023 - Project tendered for construction (completed)
- February 2023 - Webpage updates (completed)
- Early March 2023 - Tree removals and clearing (completed)
- Spring 2023 to Spring 2024 - Project Construction (completed)
- Documents
- Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Tell me more about the water works and culvert work!
A: Water distribution system improvements include replacing an aging steel watermain adjacent to Albert Street, adding a new watermain on Pine Street , and replacing the watermain in the lane behind Pine and looping it into the new main on Pine Street. This work will increase water quality and improve the available flow for firefighting by eliminating existing dead-end mains. It will also reduce the risk of future failures of the aging infrastructure.
The culvert conveying the Cat Stream under Albert Street is being replaced to accomplish three main goals:
- Its size is being increased to accommodate larger storms expected due to climate change;
- Fish baffles and fish gravels are being included to enhance fish habitat;
- The culvert will be lengthened to provide additional width required for the sidewalk and bike lanes.
Q: Why is the City constructing a bikeway on Albert Street?
A: The bikeway on Albert & Fourth Streets will provide the shortest and most direct route between the Downtown Mobility Hub and Vancouver Island University Mobility Hub.
Q: What public support has been expressed in favour of cycling facilities?
A: Support for cycling facilities has been generated through various public consultation initiatives such as the ‘Nanaimo Transportation Master Plan’, the ‘Downtown Nanaimo Mobility Hub Project’ and ‘City Plan: Nanaimo ReImagined’.
Q: Will the trees that are being removed be replaced?
A: The City will be providing replacement trees, ground cover, and other landscaping features upon completion of the civil works.
Q: Will my commute be affected?
A: If you normally use Albert Street or Pine Street during your commute, we suggest that you use an alternate route to avoid delays. Portions of Albert Street will be closed to traffic at times, and the entire project area is subject to one-way alternating traffic conditions during construction. If you live directly adjacent to the project, and cannot avoid the area roads, please leave yourself extra time.
Q: Is a road being constructed in the unopened lane allowance off Pine Street as part of this project?
A: The work in the unopened lane allowance is restricted to installation of water and sewer mains only. No roadway is being built at this location as part of this project.
Q: Why are the bus stops being relocated?
A: BC Transit’s Infrastructure Design Guidelines states a preference for bus stops to be located on the far-side of an intersection (Section 3.3.1). Rationale is based on fewer conflicts with pedestrians, less interference with vehicle traffic, and reduced delays for the bus re-entering traffic.
- Background
Nanaimo Manual of Engineering Standards and Specifications
BC Active Transportation Guide
Albert / Fourth Complete Street Phase 1
Minutes - Special Finance & Audit Committee Meeting 2020-DEC-04
Agenda - Special Finance & Audit Committee Meeting 2021-Nov-19
Minutes - Special Finance & Audit Committee Meeting 2021-Nov-19
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