Nanaimo Allocates $350,000 for New Roundabout on Hammond Bay Road

Nanaimo City Council has approved a budget of $350,000 for the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Hammond Bay Road and Brickyard Road. This decision was made during a council meeting on February 23, 2024, in response to concerns regarding traffic safety in the area, particularly since the reopening of Rutherford Elementary School in September.

City officials identified the intersection as a major “traffic safety hot spot,” citing high traffic speed and volume as significant issues raised by residents. The recommendation for the roundabout comes from the city’s Engineering and Public Works department, which aims to enhance safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Addressing Traffic Safety Concerns

Jamie Rose, the city manager of transportation, emphasized that the new roundabout will help to manage traffic flow and reduce speeds on Hammond Bay Road. It will also minimize conflict points for all users and shorten crossing distances, particularly for pedestrians at the Clayburn Place and Newport Drive intersections.

Rose explained that the construction could be integrated into an ongoing underground utilities project on Hammond Bay Road, presenting a timely opportunity for safety improvements. He noted that research indicated a troubling frequency of collisions at nearby intersections, such as Kenwill Road.

“The roundabout doesn’t create a direct benefit at Kenwill, but it does contribute to lower speeds on the corridor, making crossings safer for pedestrians,” Rose stated. He highlighted that the average speed at this location was recorded at 63 kilometres per hour, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.

Community Feedback and Council Deliberations

Despite the proposal’s merits, some council members expressed concerns about the lack of input from local neighborhood associations. Councillor Sheryl Armstrong suggested deferring the decision during the February 23 meeting, advocating for more community discussion. “We’ve consulted neighborhood associations for other projects, and I think it’s important to do so here as well,” Armstrong remarked.

The council ultimately chose to defer the proposal to the Public Safety Committee. Following further discussions, the committee received Rose’s report without making any recommendations. At the subsequent council meeting, Councillor Hilary Eastmure requested that the roundabout proposal be addressed separately from other consent items, leading to renewed dialogue.

Armstrong later expressed her support for the roundabout after conducting additional research and discussions with Rose. “I had concerns initially, but I believe a single roundabout can make a significant difference in pedestrian safety,” she stated.

The council proceeded to vote, approving the allocation of $350,000 from the 2026 Active Transportation Unallocated budget for the roundabout project, despite Eastmure’s opposition. The total projected cost for the roundabout is estimated to be between $500,000 and $600,000, with further details pending.

Bill Sims, the general manager of engineering and public works, indicated that the construction of the roundabout is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2026. This project represents a significant step towards enhancing road safety in a busy area of Nanaimo, addressing longstanding concerns from both residents and city officials.