Province Advancing Targeted Transportation Improvements
Upgrades to improve traffic flow and reduce delays for commuters, public transit users and commercial vehicles are being introduced by the Province, in collaboration with the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and Halifax Harbour Bridges.
“People want to see action to improve how our transportation system works today while we continue planning for the future,” said Public Works Minister Fred Tilley. “These improvements focus on making better use of the infrastructure we already have, helping to reduce delays and improve reliability for people travelling throughout HRM.”
The upgrades, expected to be complete by the end of fall, are focused on some of the busiest and most constrained corridors in Halifax and Dartmouth. The upgrades support the Province’s commitment to building a safer, more accessible, and more efficient transportation system for Nova Scotians. They help to maximize the efficiency of the existing transportation system, providing some relief while long-term projects are underway.
At Link, we continue to look for opportunities to complete near-term improvements while advancing major, longer-term transportation projects. To pave the way for the large-scale projects we are initiating, we need to optimize the existing system.
As you’re travelling, here is what you will see on street. Changes are in effect as soon as signage is posted.
Cogswell St at Brunswick St
Modify the intersection to introduce a northbound dedicated left-turn lane and shared straight / right lane. Coordinate traffic signals with nearby Cogswell intersections for improved flow. Optimizes lane use to properly meet outbound demand, improve traffic progression, and reduce delays at a critical downtown intersection.
What to look for: Pavement markings creating a dedicated left-turn lane and a shared straight / right lane.
Connaught Ave at Quinpool Rd
Modify the northbound / southbound intersection configuration to two left turn lanes, one straight lane, and one straight / left lane, and re-locate Halifax Transit bus stop near the intersection. These changes better reflect demand as most vehicles travelling north / south through this intersection are turning left.
What to look for: Pavement markings detailing lane changes.
Gottingen St at Brunswick St and Duke St
No eastbound left-turns from Gottingen St to Brunswick St. Significantly reduces delays and improves pedestrian safety at crossing by making it easier to travel through a constrained downtown intersection.
What to look for: A new ‘No left turns’ sign installed at the intersection.
Highway 102, Exit 3 at Hammonds Plains Rd
Conversion to two left turning lanes; addition of temporary signals at northbound ramp. Increases ramp and intersection capacity, reducing congestion and improving access between Hammonds Plains Rd and the Highway 102 corridor.
What to look for: Work is complete. More details here.
Macdonald Corridor (North St & Nantucket Ave)
Introduction of adaptive signal technology at eight (8) intersections on North Street and Nantucket Avenue (the Macdonald Bridge corridor). Improves traffic flow and travel time reliability along this critical corridor through real-time signal optimization and improved coordination of key intersections.
What to look for: adaptive signals will look the same as regular signals, but operate differently. More details here.
Macdonald Bridge to Wyse Road Approach
Addition of a second left-turn lane from Macdonald Bridge to Wyse Road. Improves traffic flow and reduces queuing for vehicles coming off the Macdonald Bridge during peak periods.
What to look for: New pavement markings and signage indicating a new left-turn lane.
Nantucket Ave at Dartmouth Shopping Centre / Zatzman Sportsplex
No eastbound and westbound left-turns at the intersection of Nantucket Avenue/Sportsplex/ Dartmouth Shopping Centre. Improves intersection efficiency, makes pedestrian crossings safer, and reduces delays by removing turning movements that contribute to congestion and queuing.
What to look for: New ‘No left turns’ signs installed at the intersection.
North St at Gottingen St Intersection
No eastbound left-turns during peak periods. Enhances intersection operations, reduces peak-hour delays, and maintains a reliable corridor for buses along a key approach to the Macdonald Bridge.
What to look for: A new ‘No left turns’ sign restricting eastbound turning during peak installed at the intersection.
Oxford St at Jubilee Rd
No eastbound and westbound left-turns at the intersection during peak periods. Low numbers of vehicles turn left at this intersection, but any turns are in shared lanes and create delays.
What to look for: A new ‘No left turns’ sign restricting turning during peak installed at the intersection.
Oxford St at Coburg St
Change traffic signal timing for westbound and eastbound traffic to favour southbound left-turns and add a westbound right-turn green phase during. These changes better reflect actual demand on the intersection while maintaining and improving safety for pedestrian crossings.
What to look for: New advanced green traffic light will be installed.
Wyse Road to Macdonald Bridge Approach
Addition of a third northbound left-turn lane from Wyse Road to the Macdonald Bridge, with a dedicated receiving transit priority lane. Increases capacity and improves transit access to the Macdonald Bridge, reducing peak-period congestion.
What to look for: New signage and markings extending the existing transit priority lane to the approach.
Young St at Kempt Road Intersection
Identify improvements for intersections on the corridor, as well as adjustments to access.