Years-long ramp closure starting Thursday as part of exchange project

CITYnews halifax/ By Mark Hodgins

Drivers will face a new reality for the foreseeable future as a ramp closure is set to begin Jan. 8 as part of the Windsor Street Exchange project.

The municipality says the ramp connecting Massachusetts Avenue to Highway 111 toward the Exchange and Bedford Highway will be closed beginning and 7 p.m. Thursday. A marked detour will be in place for the duration of the closure, which is expected to last until the end of 2027.

Drivers will still be able to access the MacKay Bridge from Massachusetts Avenue.

“These changes will improve safety and traffic flows for road users and construction crews while preparations continue for the upcoming Windsor Street Exchange project, including the future construction of a new overpass and road realignments,” the municipality wrote in a media release.

The ramp closure will impact several express bus routes, including 135, 136, 137 and 138, all of which typically use Massachusetts to reach the Exchange. Detours will be in place for those routes.

Related:

• Council reverses decision on Windsor Street Exchange redevelopment project
• Council takes step forward on Windsor Street exchange redesign

The city also says the speed limit will be reduced to 50 km/h in the construction zone on Highway 111.

“Rumble strips are being installed at the entrance to the construction zone from the MacKay Bridge to alert drivers to slow down and maintain a safe speed,” reads the municipality’s statement. “Rumble strips are also being added along the altered centre line to alert drivers to the lane realignment and help guide them safely through the work area.”

It adds speed fines are doubled in construction zones.