Construction begins on Phase 2 of Halifax’s Windsor Street Exchange project

Traffic is seen at the Windsor St. Exchange. (Jonathan MacInnis/CTV News Atlantic)

Construction has begun on Phase 2 of one of Halifax’s biggest transportation projects.

The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) announced Wednesday that the Windsor Street Exchange project is moving from early preparatory work into the main construction phase.

HRM says Phase 1, which has been underway since last fall, focused on detour roads, retaining walls, underground utilities, site preparation and foundation activities.

Phase 2 includes the following:

• a new overpass structure to improve travel between the Bedford Highway and Highway 111/MacKay Bridge
• reconfigured intersections to reduce congestion at key locations, including the Bedford Highway and Windsor Street and Lady Hammond Road
• a new link road between Bayne Street and Lady Hammond Road
• a new exit to Bayne Street to improve access to the Port of Halifax facility
• new and upgraded signalized intersections to improve traffic flow
• Halifax Water infrastructure renewal and upgrades

The municipality says the project should improve traffic flow and safety around the Windsor Street Exchange, improve reliability for transit users, create better connections for walkers and cyclists, and enhance access to the Port of Halifax.

“There are few infrastructure projects more important to Halifax’s future than the Windsor Street Exchange,” said Mayor Andy Fillmore. “This project is about keeping people, goods and our economy moving.”

The Windsor Street Exchange project is expected to cost roughly $180 million, with the following contributions:

• $85.75 million from HRM
• $60 million from Halifax Water
• $23.5 million from Transport Canada
• $10.75 million from the Nova Scotia government
• $2 million from the Halifax Port Authority

Phase 2 is expected to continue through 2029, with most of it completed that summer, and the project fully completed later that year.

Traffic impacts during construction will be managed through detours, staging and advance coordination. The municipality says it will share updates through public service announcement, on the project webpage, and social media.

The ramp connecting Massachusetts Avenue to Highway 111 toward the Windsor Street Exchange and Bedford Highway has been closed since Jan. 8. It is expected to remain closed until the overpass construction is completed, likely by the end of 2027.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page