Last updated: March 31, 2026
Project scope and purpose
- What is the purpose of the Windsor Street Exchange project?
The project modernizes a key transportation interchange to improve safety, traffic flow and reliability for vehicles, transit, pedestrians and cyclists, while supporting regional goods movement and port-related traffic.
- What stage is the project currently in?
The project is in Phase 1, which focuses on detailed design and early works such as site preparation, detour roads, underground utilities, and foundation-related activities needed to support future construction.
Phase 2 construction work is anticipated to begin in spring 2026.
- What does the new design improve?
It makes travel safer and more reliable for everyone. The busiest traffic movements see the most improvement, but pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders also benefit from safer routes and more consistent travel times.
- How will this design help transit users?
Transit riders can expect more reliable service, especially buses coming inbound on the Bedford Highway. The design allows for future expansion, including dedicated transit lanes in a future phase.
- What’s being done for people walking, rolling or cycling?
A new multi-use path will be added through an area that currently has limited pedestrian and cycling connections. Intersections and crossings will also be improved to make travel safer for all users.
- Will traffic flows improve for all traffic movements in and out of the Windsor Street Exchange?
Most movements through the Windsor Street Exchange will see noticeable improvements, especially the busiest routes between the Bedford Highway and the MacKay Bridge. However, a few areas at the outer edges of the project, where existing road layouts limit what can be changed through this project, may still see delays during peak times. These represent a smaller portion of overall traffic, and future transportation projects may help address them over time.
Project delivery and construction phasing
- Why are early works happening before full construction approval?
Early works are necessary to keep the project on schedule, manage risk and maintain eligibility for federal funding that requires specific construction milestones to be met by the end of 2027.
- What is included in early works?
Early works include detour road construction on Highway 111 and Bayne Street, temporary retaining walls, excavation, long-lead material procurement and integrated Halifax Water infrastructure work.
- When will main construction begin?
Phase 2 of the Windsor Street Exchange project contains the construction elements of this project, building upon work done during the early works construction. With Phase 2 approved by Regional Council, this work is expected to begin in spring 2026.
- How is the project being delivered?
The project is being delivered using a progressive design-build contract, allowing design and construction planning to advance together and be refined over time.
Schedule
- How long is construction expected to take?
Construction for the current project scope (Phases 1 and 2) is anticipated to be substantially complete in 2029, with National Trade Corridors Fund-related work completed by the end of 2027.
Budget and funding
- What is the current estimated cost of the Windsor Street Exchange project?
As of March 2026, the proposed total project cost is $180 million, reflecting updated estimates as the detailed design processes under the progressive design-build approach. This budget includes design fees, property acquisition, construction costs and the costs associated with Halifax Water’s planned capital work within the project area.
- Why has the estimated cost of the Windsor Street Exchange project increased from $150 million in early 2025 to $180 million in 2026?
The updated estimate reflects a greater level of cost certainty as detailed design has advanced under the progressive design-build approach. As design details were confirmed through 2025 and early 2026, construction estimates were refined to incorporate:
- Early works required to maintain the project schedule
- Council-directed design elements and integration of Halifax Water’s planned capital work
- Current market conditions, such as inflation and increased supplier pricing
- More accurate information than what was available during the project’s earlier stages
The updated $180 million estimate represents the best information available to the project team at the time of preparing the 2026/27 Capital Plan. The municipality is also conducting a value evaluation to ensure the construction contract is reasonable and fair.
- Is the budget increase related to delays or schedule changes?
No. The budget update is not the result of delays. Early works were intentionally advanced to keep the project on schedule and meet federal funding deadlines.
- What role does federal funding play in the project?
Transport Canada is contributing $23.5 million through the National Trade Corridors Fund. Advancing early works helps ensure the project meets construction obligations tied to this funding.
- Does the budget increase affect federal or provincial funding?
No. Federal and provincial contributions remain unchanged. The updated estimate primarily reflects the municipality’s share as construction costs are refined and the full scope of integrated Halifax Water capital work is included in the project budget.
- Will the project budget increase impact the 2026/27 municipal tax rate?
No. The increase is funded through the municipality’s approved capital financing plan and will not directly impact the 2026/27 municipal tax rate.
Projects of this size are financed through long‑term debt issued as construction progresses. Debt servicing costs are incorporated into future operating budgets over the life of the asset, rather than added to the tax bill in a single year. The associated debt servicing has already been considered within the municipality’s long‑range financial planning and debt‑service targets.
Municipal tax rates are set annually through the overall budget process, which considers all operating and capital pressures across the organization, rather than individual projects on their own.
Traffic and construction impacts
- How will traffic and transit be managed during construction?
Traffic impacts will be managed through detours, staging and coordination with other transportation projects. Transit detours will be planned in advance and communicated to riders and residents through multiple channels.
- How does the Windsor Street Exchange Redevelopment project impact other transportation projects in the area?
The Windsor Street Exchange Redevelopment project is coordinating with the Bedford Highway 60% Design project, and will consider the completed Bedford Highway Functional Plan throughout the design process. The designs for both projects will intersect west of the Fairview Overpass.
The Africville Active Transportation project is exploring options for an active transportation connection to Africville Museum and Africville Park from North End Halifax. The Windsor Street Exchange public engagement will be integrated with the Africville Active Transportation Connection project, as well as through consultation with the Africville community on the project scope and potential community benefits.
- Are there any safety concerns for drivers or pedestrians during this work?
For the safety of all road users and construction crews, drivers are asked to follow posted safety signage and exercise additional caution while driving through construction zones.
There are no sidewalks or other forms of pedestrian access within the impacted section of Highway 111.
- How will businesses in the area be affected?
The Windsor Street Exchange project team are in regular contact with businesses and residents near the project area, providing detailed updates on upcoming construction and related traffic changes.
Unless otherwise communicated to specific property owners, access to all properties will be maintained during this project. If access to properties will be temporarily interrupted, the contractor is required to provide the property owner with advance notice in writing.
Communication and community engagement
- How will the public be kept informed?
Communication includes public service announcements, project webpage updates (halifax.ca/WSE), social media updates, local partner meetings and visual tools such as maps and time‑lapse cameras.
Potential future enhancements
- Will transit, walking and cycling improvements be included?
The current project (Phase 1 and 2) includes improvements to Halifax Transit, including transit priority measures through the project area, and overall improvements to transit delays and reliability for routes travelling through the Windsor Street Exchange. It also includes the construction of a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists connecting the Bedford Highway through the Windsor Street Exchange.
Potential future enhancements, including dedicated transit lanes and improved pedestrian and cycling facilities, are being evaluated separately and will be brought to Council for consideration in fall 2026.
Early project preparation work and Highway 111 lane realignment
- Why is this work starting now if the main project hasn’t been approved yet?
This early work involves site preparations, including building a temporary retaining wall and preparing for a future overpass structure. These early preparation activities are taking place at the direction of Regional Council as part of early preparation work before the Phase 2 construction plan is presented for consideration in March 2026.
Completing this work now is essential to keep the Windsor Street Exchange project on schedule to meet our funding contribution requirements.
Regional Council unanimously directed staff to proceed with this early preparation work on July 8, 2025:
- How long will the temporary detour be in place?
This lane realignment will be put in place at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, and will remain in place until the construction of the new overpass is complete. As part of the second phase of this project, the new overpass is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027, pending Regional Council approval of the Phase 2 contract.
More details and the project timeline are available at: halifax.ca/WSE
- What exactly is being built during this early preparation phase?
This early preparation phase includes making adjustments to roadways that are part of the Windsor Street Exchange network. These changes will enable the contractor to construct a temporary retaining wall near Highway 111, in preparation for a new overpass structure that will be constructed as part of the main project.
- Why was this traffic change chosen instead of other options?
Detailed traffic modelling simulations of a number of potential traffic adjustments showed that this lane realignment had the smallest impact on traffic flows, while enabling essential prep work to proceed safely and keep the project on schedule.
Work near this area of Highway 111 will include the construction of a temporary retaining wall, which is needed to enable the future construction of a new overpass structure in this area, pending Regional Council approval of the Phase 2 construction plan in March 2026.
- How will this impact daily commuters and peak traffic times?
This lane realignment is not expected to significantly impact most drivers travelling through the Windsor Street Exchange.
During the afternoon rush hour, there are likely to be traffic delays for drivers heading outbound on Massachusetts Avenue toward the Windsor Street Exchange. Drivers should expect delays and consider alternate routes if possible.
Detailed traffic modelling simulations showed that this lane realignment was the option that had the smallest impact on traffic flows, while enabling essential prep work to proceed safely and keep the project on schedule.
- What measures are being taken to reduce congestion during this period?
Detailed traffic modelling was used to determine the lane realignment option that minimizes congestion while allowing this essential work to proceed. Project staff are working with the progressive design-build team on the Phase 2 construction plan, which will be presented to Regional Council in March 2026. This plan prioritizes maintaining traffic flow through this critical gateway to and from the Halifax peninsula during construction.
- Will emergency vehicles still have access through the affected area?
Yes. Emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times, and emergency services are kept informed of all significant traffic changes related to this project.
Drivers are reminded that emergency vehicles have the right of way when their flashing lights or sirens are activated. When an emergency vehicle is approaching with lights and sirens, pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until it has passed or a police officer directs you to proceed.
Drivers do not need to slow down or move over if the vehicle is on the other side of the median on a divided highway.
Traffic control personnel prioritize access for emergency vehicles responding to an emergency through any construction site.
- What are the detour details for impacted bus routes?
Morning trips for Express Routes 135, 136, 137 and 138 will not be impacted.
Starting the afternoon of Dec. 8, Express Routes 135 travelling to Bedford Highway at MSVU and 138 travelling to Dunbrack & Ross will detour as follows (the UPPERCASE details below show the changes to the route):
135 Flamingo Express
Depart Robie St After South St, right on University Avenue, straight on Morris Street, left on Barrington Street, service Scotia Square Bay 2, left on Cogswell Street, right on Gottingen Street, STRAIGHT ON NOVALEA DRIVE, LEFT ON DUFFUS STREET, STRAIGHT ON LADY HAMMOND DRIVE, straight on Bedford Highway, right on ramp to Joseph Howe Drive, continue on Joseph Howe Drive, right on Dutch Village Road, right on Alma Crescent, right on Titus Street, straight on Lacewood Drive, left into Lacewood Terminal Bay 13, straight on Radcliffe Drive, left on Dunbrack Street, right on Knightsridge Drive, right on Flamingo Drive, right on Bedford Highway to Bedford Highway At MSVU.138 Parkland Express
Depart Robie St After South St, right on University Avenue, straight on Morris Street, left on Barrington Street, service Scotia Square Bay 2, left on Cogswell Street, right on Gottingen Street, STRAIGHT ON NOVALEA DRIVE, LEFT ON DUFFUS STREET, STRAIGHT ON LADY HAMMOND DRIVE, straight on Bedford Highway, right on ramp to Joseph Howe Drive, continue on Joseph Howe Drive, right on Dutch Village Road, right on Alma Crescent, right on Titus Street, left on Main Avenue, right on Dunbrack Street, left on Willett Street, left on Lacewood Drive, left into Lacewood Terminal Bay 14, left on Lacewood Drive, right on Parkland Drive, right on Kearney Lake Road, straight on Dunbrack Street to Dunbrack St After Ross St.
Starting the afternoon of Dec. 8, Express Routes 136 travelling to Wentworth & Dunbrack and 137 travelling to Regency Park & Lacewood will detour as follows (the UPPERCASE details below show the changes to the route):
136 Farnham Gate Express
Depart Robie St After South St, right on University Avenue, straight on Morris Street, left on Barrington Street, service Scotia Square Bay 2, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON BARRINGTON STREET, LEFT ON DEVONSHIRE AVENUE, LEFT ON DUFFUS STREET, STRAIGHT ON LADY HAMMOND ROAD, straight on Bedford Highway, right on ramp to Joseph Howe Drive, continue on Joseph Howe Drive, right on Dutch Village Road, right on Alma Crescent, right on Titus Street, left on Main Avenue, right on Willett Street, left on Lacewood Drive, left into Lacewood Terminal Bay 13, left on Lacewood Drive, right on Parkland Drive, right on Farnham Gate Road, straight on Ruth Goldbloom Drive, continue through roundabout to Wentworth Drive to Wentworth Before Dunbrack.
137 Clayton Park Express
Depart Robie St After South St, right on University Avenue, straight on Morris Street, left on Barrington Street, service Scotia Square Bay 2, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON BARRINGTON STREET, LEFT ON DEVONSHIRE AVENUE, LEFT ON DUFFUS STREET, STRAIGHT ON LADY HAMMOND ROAD, straight on Bedford Highway, right on ramp to Joseph Howe Drive, continue on Joseph Howe Drive, right on Dutch Village Road, continue left to stay on Dutch Village Road, right on Rosedale Avenue, right on Willett Street, left on Lacewood Drive, left into Lacewood Terminal Bay 14, left on Lacewood Drive, left on Thomas Raddall Drive, right on Regency Park Drive to Regency Park Drive Before Lacewood Drive.
- Which bus stops will not be serviced by the routes impacted by this transit detour? Where are temporary stops located?
The following bus stops will not be serviced by the impacted transit routes due to the detoured routing (please note that other bus routes using these stops will continue to service them):
- 135 & 138
- Young St before Agricola St (8631)
- Robie St after Young St (8192)
- 136 & 137
- Gottingen St before Russell St (6782)
- Gottingen St after North St (6769)
- Young St before Agricola St (8631)
- Robie St after Young St (8192)
The following additional bus stops will be serviced along the detour:
- 135 & 138
- Novalea Dr after Young St (7366)
- Duffus St after Novalea Dr (6583)
- Novalea Dr After Young St (7366)
- Duffus St After Novalea Dr (6583)
- Duffus St Before Robie St (7096)
- 136 & 137
- A temporary stop near the intersection of Barrington St and Devonshire Ave
- Duffus St after Novalea Dr (6583)
- Duffus St before Robie St (7096)
- 135 & 138
- How will transit riders be notified about route changes?
Halifax Transit is providing updates to riders through the HFXGO app, radio ads, social media updates, website updates, printed signage, notices on affected bus stops and digital advertising. For detour and bus stop information including maps, visit: halifax.ca/htdisruptions
- How much will this early work cost, and who is paying for it?
The Windsor Street Exchange project is being delivered using a progressive design-build approach, which brings design and construction together under one team. This method allows the project to move faster and more efficiently by aligning design decisions with construction sequencing and timelines.
The budget for Phase 1 preparation work is approximately $10.5 million. This is part of the overall budget for the Windsor Street Exchange project.
The anticipated total budget for this project is approximately $150 million, per the July 8, 2025 report to Regional Council. This includes both the ongoing early work and the upcoming construction phase.
Transport Canada is contributing $23.5 million via the National Trade Corridor Fund, the Province of Nova Scotia is contributing $10.75 million, and the Port of Halifax is contributing $2 million. The remainder of the project budget will be funded by the Halifax Regional Municipality and Halifax Water through their respective capital budgets.
The project budget is expected to evolve as the design is developed by the design-build team, with the overall budget being finalized prior to the construction contract being awarded.
General questions
- Who is involved in this project?
The Halifax Regional Municipality has partnered with Transport Canada through funding under the National Trade Corridors Fund (NCTF), as well as the Province of Nova Scotia and the Port of Halifax. Funding was announced in June 2019. The municipality is leading the project and Halifax Water is partnering to complete capital work in the project area as well.
- What is the National Trade Corridors Fund?
Transport Canada launched the National Trade Corridors Fund (NCTF) in July 2017. The fund provides $2 billion over 11 years towards projects that support the flow of goods and passengers by reducing bottlenecks, addressing capacity issues, and helping transportation systems withstand the effects of climate change. The NTCF will contribute $23.5 million to the Windsor Street Exchange Redevelopment project. Funding for this project will also be provided by the Halifax Regional Municipality, the Port of Halifax, the Province of Nova Scotia and Halifax Water.
- What environmental impacts will this project have?
This project will reduce congestion at this long-standing bottle neck, lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and provide improved sustainable modes of transportation (active transportation and transit) through the area. A climate change risk-assessment has been completed for the project which has provided recommendations to integrate into the design and construction process.
- How does the Rapid Transit Strategy fit into the project?
The Rapid Transit Strategy, approved by Regional Council in May 2020, includes the “Green Line” through the Windsor Street Exchange. How transit moves through the area has been considered when evaluating design options for the Windsor Street Exchange Redevelopment project.