The roundabout is now substantially complete and we thank area residents and road users of their patience during this project.
The roundabout opened to traffic in late August. Outstanding work on the west end of the roundabout on Maple Bay Road and on Kingsview Road that couldn't be completed while the detour was operational including signage, landscaping, and final inspections were completed in September.
What you need to know:
Sept 9 - 10: Remaining paving will be completed
single lane alternating traffic will be in place on Maple Bay Road and Kingsview Road
Early-mid Sept: Line painting, sidewalk work, and retaining wall construction
Mid-late Sept: landscaping, streetlights energization, removing the detour, site clean up
May 2024
Construction of a roundabout at Kingsview and Maple Bay Road that will improve the flow and safety of traffic in this area.
The construction of a roundabout in this location is part of the Kingsview Comprehensive Development Plan, which informs transportation management relating to the project, including planning for vehicles and active transportation and pathways.
What you need to know:
Starting July 2, There will be no through traffic permitted on Maple Bay Road between Kingsview Road and Highwood Drive. Kingsview Road will be closed at Maple Bay Road. Detours are available:
From northbound Maple Bay Road: via existing bypass connection east to Kingsview Rd and on to Donnay Dr
From southbound Maple Bay Road: via Highwood Dr, east to Donnay Dr
From westbound Kingsview Road: north via Donnay Dr or south via the existing bypass to Maple Bay Rd
Detours and traffic management are in place including speed restrictions. Please follow speed limit signs and instructions from flaggers.
Expect minor delays and interruptions to traffic in the area.
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As development increased in the Kingsview area, North Cowichan staff recognized the need for improved traffic management. Construction of a future roundabout was negotiated with the developer, in order to address the increase in traffic. The developer is now constructing the roundabout.
Roundabouts are often a preferred intersection design, as traffic flows continuously (as opposed to stop/start cycles with lights or stop signs).
Roundabouts are safer, as they virtually eliminate right-angle, left turn, and head-on collisions at intersections, as well as running red or yellow lights.
Roundabouts reduce fuel consumption by forcing vehicles to slow down, but not completely stop.
Roundabouts allow for easy u-turns.
Pedestrians cross only one direction of travel at a time and have refuge between traffic lanes.
Active transportation (cycling) will be improved with the Kingsview roundabout.
A green lane will be constructed alongside the main traffic lane along Maple Bay Road, allowing cyclists to travel through the roundabout without ‘taking the lane’ with vehicle traffic, benefiting less road-savvy cyclists.
The median landscaping and signage was owned by the developer and maintained through a service agreement with North Cowichan.
Trees and other landscaping needed to be removed to make way for the roundabout. Removing trees is only done after consideration of options, however these trees were where the new roundabout is being installed.
At this time there are no plans by the developer to reinstall any signage.
Roundabout plans and construction are driven largely by safety and traffic standards. Tall landscaping (like trees) and signs are typically not considered due to sightline interference and distractions.
Landscaping and plantings are xeriscaped/drought tolerant and minimal irrigation is installed to ensure plants get established.
Location
Maple Bay Road from Westlock Road to Deykin Ave
Timeframe
March 4 to April 5, 2024
Project led by
North Cowichan
Description
Crews are replacing sections of water main along Maple Bay Road in preparation for the construction of a roundabout later this year. The improvements include replacing the existing AC (asbestos-cement) water main to a newer DI (ductile-iron) water main.
What you need to know:
Traffic will be impacted along Maple Bay Road. Single lane alternating traffic will be in effect during working hours (7:30am - 5pm). Expect delays and allow extra time for traveling through this area.
Water service may be interrupted for short periods during this time to homes in the immediate area (highlighted area of the map below). Those affected will receive advance notice to water being shut off.
