Advanced traffic light system, lane changes rolling out across HRM

Aaerial view of Gottingen Street and North Street (Province of Nova Scotia / File)

Aaerial view of Gottingen Street and North Street (Province of Nova Scotia / File)

(Ed: Map links to changes are available here)

From Provincial Release:

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.

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“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 completed by the end of fall, are focused on some of the busiest and most constrained corridors in Halifax and Dartmouth. They include:

  • new and improved traffic lanes at the following intersections:
    • Wyse Road and the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge
    • Connaught Avenue and Quinpool Road
    • Cogswell Street and Brunswick Street
  • a combination of all-day and peak period left-turn restrictions at:
    • Nantucket Avenue near the Dartmouth Shopping Centre and Joseph Zatzman Sportsplex
    • North Street and Gottingen Street
    • Oxford Street and Jubilee Road
    • Gottingen Street at Brunswick and Duke streets
  • adjusted signal timing at Oxford Street and Coburg Road to keep traffic moving more efficiently while continuing to support safe pedestrian crossings.

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.

“HRM is advancing long-term solutions to address congestion, but residents deserve immediate action to make their commute easier today. These practical improvements will help reduce congestion by making better use of the infrastructure and assets already in place while we prepare for the transportation network of the future. Working with the Province in this way will keep people and goods moving and get our region ready for continued growth and prosperity.”
— Andy Fillmore, Mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality

Quick facts:

  • this upgrade program includes recently completed work at Highway 102 Exit 3 (Hammonds Plains Road) to improve access and accommodate growing traffic volumes, and new adaptive signal technology along the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge corridor to reduce delays and enhance traffic flow in one of the busiest traffic areas in HRM
  • the Province has budgeted $1 million in 2026-27 to introduce adaptive signals on other key corridors like Barrington and Cogswell streets
  • the upgrades support the municipality’s Integrated Mobility Plan and Rapid Transit Strategy, helping to improve how the current transportation network functions across all modes

Additional Resources:

Details on these targeted operational upgrades are available at: https://linknovascotia.ca/province-advancing-targeted-transportation-improvements/

Regional Transportation Plan and government response: https://linknovascotia.ca/regional-transportation-plan/

Link Nova Scotia:

Department of Public Works on X: https://x.com/NS_PublicWorks

Halifax Regional Municipality Integrated Mobility Plan: https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/regional-community-planning/transportation-planning

Halifax Regional Municipality Rapid Transit Strategy: https://www.halifax.ca/transportation/halifax-transit/rapid-transit-strategy

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