Halifax traffic congestion among the worst in Canada, new data suggests

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins and Natasha O’Neill

A new report looking at traffic congestion is suggesting tough times for drivers on Halifax roads.

The annual traffic index from geolocation company TomTom looks at congestion levels and time lost in traffic. It calculates congestion by collecting travel times recorded during a given period of time and comparing them to times when traffic is free-flowing.

Wednesday’s report places Halifax as the third-worst for traffic congestion in Canada, behind only Vancouver and Toronto, and 13th overall across all of North America.

The data finds traffic congestion in Halifax is at 45 per cent, with that percentage representing the average time lost to traffic.

TomTom also says Halifax drivers lose 111 hours to rush hour traffic every year, which is equivalent to four days and 15 hours.

When looking at those hours lost, Halifax ranks sixth worst in North America.

Related:

• New digital traffic signs giving drivers real-time travel information
• Years-long ramp closure starting Thursday as part of exchange project
• Province explores ways to reduce traffic on Halifax peninsula

It noted that in 15 minutes Haligonians only travel on average 5.8 kilometres on roadways. For Highways, the average speed is 48.3 km/h.

Rush hour commutes

In the morning the report notes that it takes about 30 minutes and 18 seconds to travel 10 kilometres in the municipality. The average congestion level is 71.2 per cent and people are travelling about 19.8 km/h.

The afternoon commute is much worse for drivers.

It takes longer to travel 10 kilometres; about 33 minutes and 42 seconds, with congestion levels at 89.9 per cent.

Speeds are also slower, down to 17.8 km/h on average.

The worst time to travel in Halifax, according to the data, is Thursdays at 4 p.m. It notes that congestion levels are at 102 per cent, the peak for the whole week. It takes about 36 minutes to travel 10 kilometres.

However, both Wednesdays and Tuesdays are a close second and third, showing 99 and 95 per cent congestion at 4:00 p.m.

The peak of the morning commute is Tuesdays at 8:00 a.m.

Data from the report noting the congestion levels in Halifax. (TomTom)