Halifax Ramp Closure Adds Up to 30 Minutes to Monday Commutes
The temporary closure of the Robie Street ramp off the MacKay Bridge caused significant delays during Monday morning rush hour, extending commutes by 20 to 30 minutes. The closure is part of the Windsor Street Exchange redevelopment project and is scheduled to end on November 27.
Commuters in Halifax faced extended travel times on Monday morning after the Robie Street ramp off the MacKay Bridge was closed for infrastructure work. Officials reported that the closure added 20 to 30 minutes to commutes during the morning rush hour.
The temporary shutdown allows for essential pipe installation and other construction activities as part of the broader Windsor Street Exchange redevelopment project. While the inbound ramp from Robie Street is closed, the outbound ramp from Massachusetts Avenue to the MacKay Bridge remains open, meaning only the morning commute is directly affected by this specific closure.
During the period of the closure, drivers are required to use the intersection on Windsor Street to access the Barrington Street ramp or take the Macdonald Bridge instead. Minor incidents on the bridge also contributed to the increased commute times observed on Monday.
Megan Soroka, a major projects program manager with the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), stated that the redevelopment will ultimately yield several benefits. According to Soroka, the project aims to improve inbound travel time on the Bedford Highway, add new walking and cycling facilities, increase driver efficiency, and enhance goods movement to the Port of Halifax.
The Robie Street ramp is scheduled to reopen on November 27.