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.

Progress Update

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.

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 late January 2025, 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 November 25 to 29:

1. Boxwood Road, south of Fern Road, will be reduced to single lane alternating traffic during regular working hours. Expect delays.  Some of the on-street parking has no been permanently removed, please refer to map below. 
2. Bowen Road, between Northfield Road and Labieux Road, will be 4 lane traffic but remain as temporary surface conditions over the winter. Please slow down and watch for signage. 
3. The south access of Beban Park will remain closed 24 hours per day. Please use alternate park access. All park amenities and programs remain open and accessible.
4. Watch for temporary surface conditions at the intersection of Boxwood Road and Northfield Road. There are still improvements to be completed as construction continues. Please use caution and expect delays.
5. Vehicle access to/from Rosstown Road at Bowen Road is now permanently closed. Please use Powder Works Road to access Rosstown Road.  
   
6. All businesses 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