Albert / Fourth Complete Street & Utility Upgrades

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.