Hwy. 102 upgrades will bring construction to Bedford

A short-term project will see construction workers in Bedford on Highway 102, but the province is hoping to minimize traffic impacts.

Work is starting on Nov. 13 to add a lane and better sight at Exit 3 southbound off-ramp to Hammonds Plains Road. In a press release, Nova Scotia said the work will improve safety and speed up traffic that is often backed up along the highway.

The work is expected to last six weeks and will see the existing off-ramp widened to separate the right and left turning lanes. By the end it will create two lanes through. By doing this, the project also aims to reduce blind spots and allow motorists to see other vehicles as they exit the highway.

“We have put out a request for a consultant to help us develop the long-term vision for the 102,” said Public Works Minister Fred Tilley, in the press release. “We’re moving on this short-term project to help bring some relief to this busy area faster.”

The exit is going to stay open most of the time, but it’s possible intermittent delays and temporary closures will be needed to complete the work. Workers will start clear landscape beside the ramp, followed by blasting to open up the area.

Blasting is expected to take place between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to avoid peak traffic. Paving of the area will be done at night to avoid commuters.

This follows an open bidding process the government launched for several projects along Highway 102. Proposals are for a consultant to help identify work between exits 0 and 4 through the Halifax Regional Municipality.

These highway improvements were a part of Atlantic Canada’s Regional Transportation Plan, which outlines how traffic will be improved in HRM over the next 20 years.

“We want Nova Scotians to know that while we’re planning for our future transportation system, we’re also committed to making improvements that can help now,” Tilley said.