HomePage / Your Government / Projects

Albert Street Phase 3 - Mobility Upgrades

Albert Fourth Logo

The Albert Street Phase 3 Mobility Upgrades project consists of two major components:

  • Installation of two new raised crosswalks, including pedestrian flashers at both Selby Street and at Dunsmuir Street.
  • Continuation of the VIU Bikeway on Albert Street from Milton Street to Cavan Street. 

Did you know? VIU is currently the City's largest cycling destination. 

Milestone Equipment Contracting Inc, on behalf of the City of Nanaimo, will begin construction on February 2nd, 2026. Construction signage is located along the corridor and construction notices have been delivered to adjacent property owners.

This is the third phase of the Albert / Fourth Street project. Phase 1, which ran from Harewood Road to Pine Street, was completed in the Summer of 2022. Phase 2, which ran from Pine Street to Milton Street was completed in the Spring of 2024. Phase 3, which runs from Milton Street to Cavan Street will be completed by Spring 2026. 

Project Area:

Want to Know More?

Check out the additional information under the tabs below, a Q&A forum, background information, and more! 

Questions?  

Email Albert.Street@nanaimo.ca | Phone  250-756-5321

  • Progress

    CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:

    ROAD CLOSURE: Albert Street will be closed between Milton Street and Prideaux Street from March 18 to March 19, 2026, to facilitate a railway crossing upgrade (Detour Map). The work will be undertaken by Milestone Equipment Contracting, Amrize, and the Southern Railway of Vancouver Island and has been coordinated with the ongoing Albert Street construction to minimize overall disruption. The closure will be in effect 24 hours/day for the duration of the work, as the rail crossing will be impassable during construction.

    Construction notices were hand delivered to adjacent property owners.

    The end is near! Construction is scheduled to be complete by the end of March 2026.

    ------

    Milestone Equipment Contracting Inc. will begin work on February 2, 2026. Please adjust your commute to avoid delays.

    Construction signage is up and construction notices were hand delivered to adjacent property owners.

    PROJECT SCHEDULE:

      Phase:Timeframe:
      Public ConsultationSummer 2021: Complete
      Phase 1 ConstructionFall 2021 - Summer 2022: Complete
      Phase 2 ConstructionSpring 2023 - Spring 2024: Complete
      Phase 3 ConstructionFebruary 2, 2026 - Construction Begins
       Feb 2 - Mar 13: Drainage Upgrades & Concrete Islands
             March 16 - 20:  Railway Crossing Upgrade & Bus Stops
             March 23 - 27:  Raised Crosswalks & Roadmarkings
       March 31, 2026 - Construction Complete


    • Documents

      Albert Street Phase 3 Construction Drawing

      Nanaimo Transportation Master Plan

      Downtown Nanaimo Mobility Hub Project

      City Plan: Nanaimo ReImagined

    • Details

      Additional Construction FAQs that are not project specific, can be found here: City Construction Project FAQS

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Q:   Why is the City constructing a bikeway on Albert Street?

      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?

      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: Can I see the design?

      Yes, you can find the Albert St Phase 3 drawing here. 

      Q: Will there be a loss of parking?

      Yes, parking will be removed from the south/east side of Albert Street; however parking will remain on the north/west side. 

      Q: Will Albert Street maintain two-way traffic?

      Yes. Albert street will continue to operate with two-way traffic. One lane of parking has been removed, but the final design includes a travel lane and bike lane in each direction, with parking remaining on one side of the street.

      Q: What are the concrete islands for?

      The concrete islands intentionally separate the travel lane, parking lane, and bike lane. At intersections, the islands help prevent vehicles from mistakenly turning in the parking lane instead of the intended travel lane. 

      Q: What safety features will the design include?

      • City projects include safety improvements from the Provincial Government’s BC Community Road Safety Toolkit, created in the hopes of working towards Vision Zero in communities throughout the province.

       

      Q: Will my commute be affected?

      If you normally use Albert Street during your commute, we suggest that you use an alternate route to avoid delays. Work areas within the project area will be 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: Why did construction start and then stop?

      Paving cannot occur during winter months due to lower than ideal temperatures for asphalt placement. Albert Street remains in the queue with other projects around town waiting for temperatures to warm up and sub-contractor availability. 

      Q: When will construction be complete?

      Construction is expected to be complete by the end of March. The remaining work includes installation of the raised crosswalks and final markings, which are scheduled to be complete by March 31st. 


       

    • Background

      Nanaimo Manual of Engineering Standards and Specifications

      BC Active Transportation Guide

      Albert / Fourth Complete Street Phase 1

      Albert / Fourth Complete Street Phase 2

    Give feedback on accessibility. Submit your feedback through our online accessibility feedback form. Help us understand barriers people face when accessing City services.

    You can attach files to help explain the barrier you faced in the form, like: a video, voice recording or photos. If American Sign Language (ASL) is the best way for you to communicate, upload a video of yourself using ASL into the form.

    Please include: what you were trying to access, where the barrier happened, what the barrier was and any recommendations you might have.

    Thank you for your assistance. One of our website team will look into the reported issue shortly. Loading animation

    Help us improve our website

    Don't include private or financial information in this form.

    Important Information About Privacy

    Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Personal information will only be used by authorized staff to fulfill the purpose for which it was originally collected, or for a use consistent with that purpose.

    For further information regarding the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information, please contact the Legislative Services Office at 250-755-4405 or at foi@nanaimo.ca