Construction begins on emergency egress road in Halifax suburb of Westwood Hills
A new gated, gravel emergency route connecting Westwood Hills to Highway 103 is under construction in Halifax. The project, directed by city council after the 2023 wildfires, aims to improve evacuation options and is separate from ongoing studies for permanent connector roads.
Construction is underway on a new emergency egress road in the Halifax suburb of Westwood Hills, Nova Scotia. The project will connect the subdivision to Highway 103 via a gated route designated exclusively for emergency use, allowing people in and out during emergencies.
The roadway is described as an almost 500-metre long gravel road that is eight metres in width. It features a gated connection between Westwood Boulevard and Highway 103. Mike Connors, manager of transportation planning for the Halifax Regional Municipality, noted that the project originated from city council’s direction following the 2023 wildfires. The aim is to improve emergency access, evacuation options, and connection to roads in areas with limited access routes.
The initiative supports the Strengthening Communities and Moving Better priorities in the municipality's 2026–2030 Strategic Plan.
Residents should expect increased construction-related traffic, including rock excavation, removal, and potential blasting. There may be temporary stop-and-go traffic and lane reductions near the project site. Hours of construction are expected to be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays only.
This project is separate from the municipality’s ongoing community connector road study involving Westwood Hills, Upper Hammonds Plains, and Highland Park North. The municipality is meeting with the Upper Hammonds Plains community and Westwood Hills regarding permanent connector road options. Halifax Regional Council directed the study of permanent connector roads in 2025.
Starting in the spring, after the egress project is complete, the municipality plans to explore wider connectivity along Hammonds Plains Road.