Last updated: May 25, 2026
Project overview
The Halifax Regional Municipality, in partnership with Link Nova Scotia, is undertaking a pilot project to introduce adaptive traffic signals at selected intersections to help improve traffic flow and reduce unnecessary delays on some of the region’s busiest corridors.
Adaptive traffic signals use sensors to monitor real‑time traffic conditions and automatically adjust signal timing based on actual demand, rather than operating on fixed schedules. This allows green lights to be prioritized where and when they are needed most, particularly during peak travel times, congested periods, or major events. Residents may experience smoother travel, less waiting at red lights when traffic volumes are low, and more responsive signals as traffic patterns change throughout the day.
This pilot project upgrades existing municipal traffic signal infrastructure. It does not involve new intersections or visible changes to traffic signals, and it does not change how people interact with intersections. Compared to large construction projects, adaptive traffic signals are a relatively low‑cost improvement that can be implemented quickly and with minimal disruption to road users.
The pilot supports Halifax’s Integrated Mobility Plan and Rapid Transit Strategy by improving how the existing transportation network is managed across all modes. It also aligns with Link Nova Scotia’s Regional Transportation Plan and is an early step toward future transportation management tools that help the entire network work better.
Project timeline
Estimated project timeline
- Spring 2026 – Equipment procurement
- Spring/summer 2026 – Installation of adaptive traffic signal technology begins
- Summer/fall 2026 – Collection of “before” condition data to measure improvements once the adaptive traffic signal technology has been activated
- Fall 2026 – Adaptive traffic signals are fully activated and begin improving traffic flows through the Macdonald Bridge corridor, with ongoing performance monitoring and assessment
Timelines may be adjusted as the pilot progresses and as operational data is reviewed.
Pilot project status
Macdonald Bridge corridor map
Macdonald Bridge corridor
In collaboration with Link Nova Scotia, the municipality has identified the Macdonald Bridge corridor as the initial priority corridor for the first phase of adaptive traffic signal installation. This corridor was selected due to its high traffic volumes, regional importance and changing travel patterns throughout the day.
Adaptive traffic signals will be installed at the following intersections:
- Nantucket Avenue at Victoria Road
- Nantucket Avenue at Zatzman Sportsplex (pedestrian half-signal)
- Nantucket Avenue at Wyse Road/Macdonald Bridge
- North Street at Gottingen Street
- North Street at Agricola Street
- North Street at Robie Street
- North Street at Windsor Street
- North Street at Oxford Street
Adaptive traffic signal equipment has been ordered. Installation will be completed through a combination of municipal staff and contractor resources once the equipment arrives. Performance will be closely monitored following installation to assess effectiveness and inform next steps.
Future corridors and intersections
Municipal staff are working with Link Nova Scotia to identify additional intersections and corridors where adaptive traffic signals could provide the greatest benefit, using a data‑driven approach. This pilot will help guide future decisions and potential expansion to other locations.
Additional details will be shared once future phases are confirmed.
Common questions
- What is the Adaptive Traffic Signals pilot project?
The Adaptive Traffic Signals pilot project upgrades existing municipal traffic signals so they can respond to real-time traffic conditions. Halifax Regional Municipality is working on this pilot with Link Nova Scotia to improve traffic flow and reduce unnecessary delays at selected intersections.
- Who is involved in this project?
The municipality is working with Link Nova Scotia to identify and select locations. The municipality will be installing the equipment, operating the signals and monitoring their performance.
- Did the municipality have plans to pilot adaptive traffic signals prior to this provincial funding?
Yes. The municipality had been exploring the use of various technologies, including adaptive traffic signal technology as a way to improve safety and traffic flow on key corridors.
Provincial funding provided through Link Nova Scotia allowed the municipality to expedite deployment of the technology and address the Macdonald Bridge corridor. This collaborative approach helps maximize the impact of the investment while supporting shared transportation goals.
Additional provincial funding of $1 million will go toward future pilot locations.
- Why is the municipality doing this and what is the benefit to residents?
The pilot is intended to help reduce unnecessary delays and improve traffic flow through some of the Halifax region’s busiest corridors. Residents may experience smoother travel, less waiting at red lights when traffic is light and more responsive signals during peak periods or major events.
- How do adaptive traffic signals work?
Adaptive traffic signals use camera sensors to monitor real-time traffic volumes at an intersection. Signal timing automatically adjusts based on actual conditions rather than fixed schedules, allowing green lights to be prioritized where and when they are needed most.
- How is this different from traditional traffic lights?
Traditional traffic lights operate on preset timing plans with limited flexibility regardless of traffic levels. Adaptive signals can respond to real-time conditions, making them more flexible and efficient during changing traffic patterns.
- What happens if the adaptive traffic signals malfunction? Can they cause unsafe signals?
If the adaptive traffic signal technology malfunctioned, it would impact vehicle detection, but not the overall operation of the intersection.
Traffic signals are designed to prioritize safety and prevent conflicting traffic movements. Adaptive traffic signal technology includes the same built-in safeguards and fail-safe features as standard traffic signals, so if the system malfunctions it would “react” in the same way drivers currently encounter with standard signals. There is no more risk involved with an adaptive traffic signal than with a standard traffic signal.
If the power goes out and the traffic signals are not on, drivers and cyclists should treat that intersection as a three- or four-way stop.
- Will cameras be used at adaptive traffic signal intersections and what does that mean for privacy?
Yes. The adaptive traffic signals use cameras to detect the presence and movement of vehicles so signal timing can respond to real-time traffic conditions. The cameras are used for traffic detection only. They do not record or store video, identify people or vehicles, read licence plates or collect personal information. The technology is designed to improve traffic flow while respecting privacy.
- Where will the adaptive traffic signals be installed?
The Macdonald Bridge corridor has been identified as a starting point due to congestion and changing traffic patterns throughout the day. Adaptive signals will be installed at the following intersections along this corridor:
- Nantucket Avenue at Victora Road
- Nantucket Avenue at Zatzman Sportsplex
- Nantucket Avenue at Wyse Road/Macdonald Bridge
- North Street at Gottingen Street
- North Street at Agricola Street
- North Street at Robie Street
- North Street at Windsor Street
- North Street at Oxford Street
The municipality continues to assess additional locations where the technology could provide the greatest benefit as part of this pilot project.
- When will the equipment be installed and will there be disruption during installation?
Initial installations are currently expected to take place in spring/summer 2026. Installation is low impact and significant traffic disruptions are not anticipated.
- How will adaptive traffic signals impact Halifax Transit, including intersections with transit priority signals?
Adaptive traffic signal technology is designed to work with existing traffic signal infrastructure, including transit priority features where they are in place. The municipality will configure the technology, so transit needs are considered as part of overall signal operations. By responding to real-time traffic conditions, adaptive signals can help reduce overall delay and improve reliability for buses moving through congested corridors. Performance will be monitored and adjusted as needed.
- How will adaptive traffic signals impact people cycling, including those using bike lanes or cycling with general traffic?
Adaptive traffic signals will continue to accommodate people cycling, whether in bike lanes or with general traffic. Cycling movements remain part of normal intersection operations. By adjusting signal timing to real-time conditions, the signals can help reduce congestion and overall delay, creating more efficient operation at busy intersections.
- How will adaptive traffic signals impact people walking or rolling through these intersections?
Adaptive traffic signals will continue to provide safe and accessible crossings for people walking or rolling. Pedestrian movements and accessible crossing features remain part of normal signal operations. The municipality will monitor performance and make adjustments as needed to support continued safe and effective crossings.
- How will adaptive traffic signals affect crossings for people walking or rolling, including wait times?
Adaptive traffic signals will continue to support crossings for people walking or using mobility devices as part of normal signal operations.
At signalized intersections with existing user-activated crossing buttons, people walking and rolling will continue to be able to request a crossing, prompting a signal change.
At intersections without push buttons, crossings will continue to operate as part of the normal signal cycle.
Intersections with adaptive traffic signal technology will have minimum and maximum traffic signal phase lengths to ensure people have regular opportunities to cross and sufficient time to do so safely. While signals may adjust in real time to improve traffic flow, safety remains the top priority.
- How will the municipality ensure pedestrians are not waiting too long to cross at adaptive signals?
Adaptive traffic signals support the municipality’s Integrated Mobility Plan and Rapid Transit Strategy by improving how the existing transportation network is managed. The pilot also aligns with Link Nova Scotia’s Regional Transportation Plan and is an early step toward future transportation management tools that improve network performance across all modes.
Questions?
Email contactus@311.halifax.ca or call 311.