ICBC Improves Nanaimo Roads

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ICBC invests $116,000 to improve Nanaimo roads in 2010

Most Nanaimo residents have seen the geometric improvements along Highway 1 near Nanaimo airport. These are among the nine road improvement projects ICBC invested in Nanaimo in 2010 to help make roads safer for everyone.

ICBC launched the road improvement program in 1989 and since then, has invested approximately $100 million in projects across B.C. In 2010, ICBC invested approximately $1.3 million in projects on Vancouver Island and $9 million in 280 projects throughout B.C.

“Road improvements deliver real value to our customers, and everyone on our roads, from drivers to pedestrians,” said ICBC’s John Pump, manager of the road improvement program. “Safer roads lead to fewer crashes and help prevent injuries and death, which also translates into lower claims costs and helps keep rates stable for our customers.”

“Traffic enhancements like these are small projects with big safety benefits," said Ron Cantelon, Parksville-Qualicum MLA. “By working together with ICBC and our municipal counterparts, we're working to ensure crashes are fewer, injuries are reduced, and lives are saved.”

A 2009 independent evaluation concluded that for every dollar invested, ICBC and customers see a return five to 12 times the investment. That is, for every dollar invested, ICBC and customers save $5.60 over two years and $12.80 over five years in reduced crash costs. All proposed road improvement projects are assessed on their ability to make roads safer.

Projects underway or completed in 2010 in Nanaimo:

Location: Area wide
o Project description: Stop sign upgrades
o Partner: City of Nanaimo
o ICBC contribution: $12,500
 
Location: Comox Road and Prideaux Street
o Project description: Traffic signal upgrade
o Partner: City of Nanaimo
o ICBC contribution: $5,000
 
Location: Haliburton Street and Needham Street
o Project description: Stop signs upgrade
o Partner: City of Nanaimo
o ICBC contribution: $7,500
 
Location: Hammond Bay Road – Departure Bay Road to Friar Tuck
o Project description: Corridor improvements
o Partner: City of Nanaimo
o ICBC contribution: $7,000
 
Location: Hammond Bay Road – Turner Road to Emil Place
o Project description: Corridor improvements
o Partner: City of Nanaimo
o ICBC contribution: $5,000
 
Location: Harewood Road – 4th Street to 5th Street
o Project description: Corridor improvements
o Partner: City of Nanaimo
o ICBC contribution: $1,500
 
Location: Jingle Pot Road and Westwood Road
o Project description: Pedestrian crossing installation
o Partner: City of Nanaimo
o ICBC contribution: $2,500
 
Location: Highway 1 near Nanaimo Airport
o Project description: Geometric improvements
o Partner: Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
o ICBC contribution: $71,300 

Location: Jinglepot Road
o Project description: Roadside improvements
o Partner: Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
o ICBC contribution: $3,700