NANAIMO — A key intersection in Nanaimo’s downtown core will soon be a no-go to vehicular traffic for the next several weeks.
The City of Nanaimo stated the Bastion/Commercial St. Intersection needs to be closed to vehicular usage between Thursday, Jan. 2 and late February.
At issue are mine voids beneath Bastion St. Requiring drilling and grouting infill, a City news release stated.
“While the intersection will be closed to vehicle traffic, pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Businesses remain open as usual and free two-hour parking is in place along the rest of Commercial Street, as well as on levels 2 & 3 of the Bastion Street Parkade.”
A construction update on the City’s website stated soil cell excavation on Commercial St. south of Bastion St. was scheduled to begin early in 2025.
In late September, investigative drilling by Windley Contracting on Commercial St. uncovered mine shafts located closer to the surface than expected.
Geotechnical engineers were then tasked with formulating a mitigation place, according to the City’s capital project management specialist James Knight at the time.
Phase one of overhauling Commercial St. Between Wharf and Church streets is expected to be completed by next May, which includes road resurfacing, along with sections of street-level, event ready sidewalks for a more pedestrian-friendly, accessible gathering space.
Phase one of the Design Commercial initiative began in early September.
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