Highway 118 Interchange Paves Way for Dartmouth Development
Work has begun on a $16-million contract for the interchange to connect Highway 118 with the new Dartmouth Crossing development in Burnside.
The interchange -- which includes on- and off-ramps, an overpass, and a pedestrian bridge -- will provide safe access to the new development for both vehicles and pedestrians.
During construction, intermittent lane closures will be required on Highway 118 in both directions, during off-peak hours.
There will also be blasting activity in the area until the end of September. Traffic will be stopped in both directions during blasting.
The contractor, Dexter Construction, will erect a temporary fence to mark the east side of the construction zone.
Costs of the project are being shared by the province, Halifax Regional Municipality, and the developer.
"Not only is the department fulfilling its primary responsibility by providing safe road access to the new development," said Michael Baker, acting Minister of Transportation and Public Works, "we are also going the extra mile to ensure that the interchange will have minimal impact on the users of Shubie Park."
A new parking lot will be built on the west side of the interchange and connected to Shubie Park by a pedestrian bridge. It will provide safe and legal parking for park users. In addition, the Department of Transportation and Public Works has turned over 14 acres of land on Lake Micmac to the Shubenacadie Canal Commission for future park use.
"The completed development will provide trails to connect Shubie Park to other trail systems in Dartmouth,” said Mr. Baker. "I'm sure the new pedestrian-friendly development will be a positive step for everyone."
The history of the Highway 118 interchange and aerial photos showing its design are on the Department of Transportation and Public Works website at www.gov.ns.ca/tran/highwayops/hwy118.asp .
For more information on blasting activities call Transportation and Public Works at 902-424-6144 between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.