Short-term actions

In advance of seeing the benefits of long-term infrastructure investments, a series of short-term solutions have been identified. These are mostly operational in nature and are transitional measures to alleviate current pressure points and enhance traffic flow.

These smaller scale, highly localized initiatives are more operational in nature and are intended to improve the commuter experience of Nova Scotians over the next 18-24 months.

An aerial of Downtown Dartmouth on a sunny summer morning. The south end container terminal can be seen in the background.

Adaptive Signal Technology

Identify bottlenecks on key corridors where intelligent systems can be installed to detect when signals need to change. The result will be improved system management, increased vehicle flow, less congestion, and fewer emissions from idling vehicles. These are initial steps in implementing Regional Transportation Management Centre (RTMC) and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).

Connection to Plan: Action 1.1.1 Create a Regional Transportation Management Centre

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes

Investigate prime candidates for HOV lane placement and enact a pilot program to encourage more people to rideshare and use fewer vehicles. This could include potential conversion on Magazine Hill, as well as exploration of opportunities at Cogswell District and Barrington Street, and Bayers Road and Robie Street, in consultation with HRM and Halifax Transit.

Connection to Plan: Action 1.1.3 Peninsula Core Streets & Access Corridors

Macdonald Bridge Corridor Review

Conduct a rapid review, in partnership with HRM, of the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge corridor (North/Oxford to Nantucket/Victoria Road) to incorporate intelligent traffic signal technology that uses real time data along with potential improvements to the intersections leading to the span.

Connection to Plan: Action 1.1.3 Peninsula Core Streets & Access Corridors

Young Street (Halifax) Corridor Review

Identify improvements for intersections on the corridor, as well as adjustments to access. It will include deploying intelligent signal technology that uses real time data to operate the corridor efficiently during peak commuting times.

Connection to Plan: Action 1.1.3 Peninsula Core Streets & Access Corridors

Review Active Transportation Projects to Preserve Existing Road Capacity

Pause potential active transportation projects that could impact the capacity of key routes and intersections and explore options to future-proof pathways to allow for safe pedestrian and cycling commuting, separate from high volume commuter corridors.

Connection to Plan: Action 1.1.3 Peninsula Core Streets & Access Corridors

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