Victoria Road Project

Victoria Road

Infrastructure improvements are planned for Victoria Road between Rainer and Farquhar Streets in 2016. Some of the existing utilities are nearing the end of their useful life and require replacement.  Also, to better serve the community and surrounding school catchment, sidewalks and transportation improvements are planned for Victoria Road between Rainer and Needham Streets. The City will be replacing sanitary sewer infrastructure, installing new storm sewers, resurfacing the road, and reorganizing the streetscape to better accommodate all modes of transportation.

Project Objectives

  • Improve safety and comfort for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
  • Improve road drainage and allow home owners to connect to the municipal system.
  • Replace aging infrastructure.

Contact Information

If you have any comments or questions on the planned improvements, please contact us at 250-754-4251 or email EngineeringInfo@nanaimo.ca.


  • Progress

    Project Schedule

    The project is scheduled for construction in 2016

     
  • Documents
  • Details

    Project Scope

    Transportation Improvements:

    • New concrete curb and sidewalk complete with select boulevard tree plantings between Rainer and Needham Streets:
      • 425 meters on the west side;
      • 50 meters on the east side at Knowles Park complete with a rain water garden.
    • Complete roadway resurfacing between Rainer and Needham including:
      • defined on street parking and a dedicated bicycle lane on the west side;
      • a multi use shoulder on the east side transitioning to curb and sidewalk  complete with defined parking at Knowles Park.
    • Improved pedestrian crossings at both Rainer and Needham Streets.


    Existing Victoria Road Cross Section - Facing North


    New Victoria Road Cross Section - Facing North

     

    Utility Improvements:

    • Replacement of 580 meters of 1930’s and 1960’s era sanitary sewer between Rainer and Farquhar Streets.
    • Installation of 305 meters of new storm sewer between Rainer and Needham Streets.

    Note:  In 2014, 400 meters of aging watermain was replaced from Rainer to Needham Streets. 

    Project Budget

    The estimated cost for the project is $1,500,000.

     
  • Background

    Project Area History



    Photo courtesy City of Nanaimo Museum archive

    The project area once known as “Second China Town” is one of the oldest sections of Nanaimo and situated above the Old Douglas mine.  First settled by relocated Chinese immigrants in 1884, data shows the Victoria and Pine area was home to over 220 people in 1890.

    The Old Douglas Coal Mine extends the length of Victoria Road from approximately Old Victoria Road to Esplanade Street and was worked from 1861 to 1886 by many of the pioneering residents that settled there.  The mine’s coal seam, reportedly up to 4.0 meters thick but more commonly found between 1.2 – 1.4 meters, crosses Victoria Road and migrates towards the surface just west of it.  Construction in areas of abandoned mine workings can be a significant undertaking.  The extent of the abandoned mines needs to be determined through drilling to ensure that workers are safe during construction.  


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