Drivers wait at the traffic lights at the Windsor Street Exchange on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. Ryan Taplin – The Chronicle Herald Photo by Ryan TaplinArticle contentThe Windsor Street Exchange, one of Halifax’s busiest intersections, is getting a major redesign that the municipality hopes will ease congestion, improve safety and support greener transportation options.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 contentAccording to the Halifax Regional Municipality, roughly 48,000 vehicles pass through the main intersection daily, with up to 110,000 travelling through the project’s broader area. Article contentArticle contentArticle contentHRM staff say that this is well beyond the interchange’s intended capacities. Article content“The Windsor Street Exchange is a critical hub for accessing Halifax. It’s used by thousands of commuters every day,” said Jake Fulton, a public affairs officer for the municipality. “The redevelopment will improve traffic flow, enhance safety and support transit, walking and cycling.” Article contentArticle contentWhat will change Article contentThe plans for the new exchange include a new overpass, realigned lanes and a dedicated bus lane. In addition, multi-use pathways for pedestrians and cyclists will also be included. Article contentThe goal, according to the municipality, is to reduce the bottlenecks that occur when commuters are trying to go downtown or to the port by creating a cleaner connection between the A. Murray MacKay Bridge and the Bedford Highway. Article contentThe project is being completed using a “progressive design-build approach,” which is intended to allow for minor design adjustments to be made by contractors and designers throughout construction to increase the project’s efficiency and adjust budgeting. Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThe timelineArticle contentWhile some preparation work has begun, the bulk of the construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2026. HRM says there won’t be any major construction on the project in 2025.Article content“We’re just setting the stage so that detours and alternative routes can be prepared when construction starts,” Fulton said. “Of course, with any major construction project, there will be delays.”Article contentIn anticipation of disruptions, project staff and contractors are working together to develop a traffic management plan to ensure commuters can travel in both directions.Article contentArticle contentHow much will it cost? Article contentThe project’s total budget is $150 million, as of July 8, and it is funded by multiple partners:Article contentTransport Canada: $23.5 million through the National Trade Corridors FundThe Province of Nova Scotia: $10.75 millionThe Port of Halifax: $2 million Article contentThe remaining funding will be covered by the municipality and Halifax Water through a cost-sharing agreement. This includes the costs for major underground pipe relocations required for work to begin. Article contentArticle contentBroader scopeArticle contentAccording to HRM, the Windsor Street Exchange redesign plays a role in wider transportation and climate goals for the municipality. Article contentThe exchange is a major roadway between the Halifax peninsula and downtown and is a key area in the Rapid Bus Transit network, part of the region’s Rapid Transit Strategy. By improving the flow of traffic and encouraging public transit and active transportation, the project is also expected to cut greenhouse-gas emissions from idling vehicles.Article contentFor more information on detours and project updates, go to halifax.ca/windsorstreetexchange. Article content
What to know about Halifaxs $150-million Windsor Street Exchange overhaul
