Nova Scotia announces solutions for Halifax vehicle congestion. Whats changing at some city intersections to tackle traffic backlogs

Rush-hour traffic on Bayers Road on Tuesday, July 28. New solutions to improve traffic flow will be implemented in 14 intersections this year. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentTraffic congestion may ease for drivers in Halifax after the province announced plans to improve 14 intersections for better traffic flow.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe announcement was made by provincial Public Works Minister Fred Tilley, in partnership with the Halifax Regional Municipality, Halifax Harbour Bridges and Link Nova Scotia, a strategic transportation planning agency.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentWhat do improvements look like?Article contentFour updates include restrictions for turns in intersections:Article contentNo left turns from Gottingen Street onto Brunswick StreetNo left turns during peak traffic hours from Jubilee Road onto Oxford StreetNo left turns on Nantucket Avenue into the Dartmouth Shopping Centre or Zatzman SportsplexNo left turns during peak traffic hours from North Street onto Gottingen StreetArticle contentThese changes will come into effect as soon as signs are posted.Article contentImprovements like these don’t just fight congestion, they also improve pedestrian safety, said Martyn Williams.Article content Martyn Williams is seen at the intersection of Quinpool Rd and Vernon Street in Halifax on Thursday, July 9. He said that left hand turns are extremely dangerous for pedestrians, even at signalized intersections. Photo by Tim Krochak /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentWilliams is a longtime advocate for safe streets in Halifax, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. He said that left-hand turns are one of the highest causes for collisions involving vulnerable road users.Article content“Very generally, from a pedestrian safety point of view and sometimes a cyclist safety point of view, restricting left-hand turns is a good thing because left-hands at signalized intersections are the most common reason for a pedestrian getting struck by a car,” said Williams.Article contentArticle contentUncontrolled left turns, which happen when there isn’t a designated turn signal, are “extremely dangerous” to all road users because they are often done in a hurry due to pressure from oncoming traffic, said Williams. This could lead to less awareness of other road users who are possibly in a crosswalk, he said.Article contentHe commended the province for making the intersection changes and said he hopes initiatives targeted at traffic congestion continue to have pedestrian safety in mind.Article content“(The province has) learned a lot, they’ve done a lot in the last few years, and I have confidence that pedestrian safety will definitely be a working aim of theirs.”Article contentOther changes create better lane configurations, including more left turning lanes on Connaught Avenue at Quinpool Road, on the Macdonald Bridge going to Wyse Road and at Exit 3 to Hammonds Plains Road when exiting Highway 102.Article content“Pedestrian safety very much depends on the signals,” said Williams.Article content“So, you can add turning lanes but then introduce a protected phase for pedestrians to cross. So, depending on what (the province) does with the signals, it could very much be an improvement to pedestrian safety.”