The Midtown Gateway Project is transforming a legacy brownfield site impacted by past industrial activity into a revitalized neighbourhood gateway. It features new complete street transportation corridors, a new naturalized storm water wetland with public walking trails, and enhanced access to our premier recreation complex - Beban Park.

Once fully completed, the Midtown Gateway Project will:

• Restore a wetland impacted by historical coal mining activity,
• Create over 2km of new off-street active transportation pathways,
• Enhance accessibility to Beban Park,
• Create a public natural area with walking trails, that will also serve as a detention pond during storm events,
• Unlock a development site for a signature commercial and residential gateway development to the City,
• Create a new transportation network that will increase the safety and comfort for people who walk, bike, take transit, and drive, and
• Improve the safe flow of commercial and industrial goods.

Street Changes Now In Effect

While construction continues on the Midtown Gateway Project, a major milestone has been passed. On September 25, a new section of Boxwood Road and the new Powder Works Road opened to the public, providing a new connection to between Northfield Road and Rosstown Road for vehicle traffic, cyclists, pedestrians and the #30 bus.

Powder Works Road now replaces the Bowen and Rosstown intersection as the new access point for Rosstown Road. Vehicle access to Rosstown Road from Bowen Road is now permanently closed.

Affected transit users should refer to the new Rider’s Guide on the RDN Transit website.

See maps below for more details.

Construction on the Midtown Gateway Project is expected to continue until next summer. This includes upgrades to the intersection of Bowen and Northfield Road, a new multi-use path on Boxwood Road, and a new traffic-signal-controlled intersection on Bowen Road opening later this fall, which will also serve as an enhanced access into Beban Park.

Please exercise caution, obey all signs placed for your safety, and follow the directions of any flag persons on duty.

CURRENT TRAFFIC ADVISORIES

Here are the latest traffic disruptions to be aware of:

From October 21 to October 25:

1. A new section of Boxwood Road, and the new Powder Works Road is now open to the public, connecting vehicle traffic, cyclists, pedestrians and the #30 bus between Northfield Road and Rosstown Road. Please use caution while all users get used to the new changes.
2. Vehicle access to/from Rosstown Road at Bowen Road is now permanently closed. 
3. The traffic signal light operations have changed at the intersection of Boxwood Road and Northfield Road. Please use caution while all users get used to the new changes. There are still improvements to be completed to the intersection as construction continues.
4. The east and westbound lanes of Northfield Road near the intersection of Boxwood Road will be reduced to one lane per direction at times.
5. Bowen Road, between Rosstown Road and Northfield Road, will be reduced to one lane per direction 24 hours per day. Commuters are encouraged to use an alternate route.
6. The south access of Beban Park will be closed 24 hours per day. Please use alternate park access. All park amenities and programs remain open and accessible.
   

For your safety, please obey all signs and traffic control persons. Give yourself extra time and expect delays.

Thank you for your patience!

Want to Know More?

Check out the recent construction photos gallery, or the additional information under the tabs below.

Or contact us at midtowngateway@nanaimo.ca