N.S. requests proposals for Hammonds Plains, Highway 101 connector project

A map of planned highway improvements in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

The province of Nova Scotia says it has issued a request for proposals as part of a Halifax-area connector project.

The need for a “strategic link” was identified between Hammonds Plains Road near Sandy Lake in Bedford and Exit 2 on Highway 101 in Lower Sackville back in the fall 2024.

A request for proposals was issued Monday for engineering services to prepare for an environmental assessment.

The request calls for a consultant to assess potential environmental impacts and identify measures to avoid, reduce or mitigate effects on wetlands, wildlife, watercourses and nearby communities.

The new connector will be about five kilometres long and is expected to reduce congestion on surrounding roads.

The province says it will also create another way out of several neighbourhoods in an emergency and transit routes could be created or adapted in the area.

“Anyone who has driven in Halifax Regional Municipality has experienced the increasingly congested roads,” said Public Works Minister Fred Tilley in a news release.

“This is the first step in this project which, combined with other projects planned for the area, will relieve congestion and improve safety.”

Qualified firms have until April 10 to submit their proposals.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page