Quarterly project updates - Windsor Street Exchange project

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Spring 2026

Last updated: June 25, 2026

Phase 1 work progressed through spring 2026, focusing on early construction activities already underway while continuing to advance detailed design and refine construction sequencing through the project’s progressive design-build approach. This work helped improve design certainty and supported readiness for the next phase, moving the project closer to delivering improvements in traffic flow, safety and reliability at one of Halifax’s busiest transportation networks.

Progress was made on key structural elements, including installation of a temporary retaining wall along Highway 111. This work enabled excavation for a new overpass that will create uninterrupted connections in both directions between Bedford Highway and Highway 111, to and from the MacKay Bridge, the highest-volume traffic movements in the area. These improvements are expected to reduce congestion, shorten travel times, and improve overall traffic flow.

In partnership with Halifax Water, underground infrastructure work continued on lower-volume streets within the broader project area, including upgrades to water, wastewater and stormwater systems. Coordinating this work with road construction improves long-term reliability while reducing the need for future disruptions.

Municipal staff continued working with property owners and the contractor to prepare for Phase 2 and to help reduce and mitigate construction impacts where possible.

On March 31, 2026, Regional Council approved Phase 2 of the Windsor Street Exchange project, along with the updated project budget. This approval enabled the project team to proceed with Phase 2 contract negotiations with the contractor, helping keep the project on schedule.

As a key gateway to and from the Halifax peninsula, these improvements will help reduce travel delays, improve transit reliability, enhance safety for all road users and strengthen connections for goods movement and access to key destinations such as the Fairview Cove Container Terminal.

On June 5, 2026, the Phase 2 construction contract was awarded to Dexter Construction to complete the Windsor Street Exchange detailed design and construction, per the approved functional design. The project team is working with the contractor to develop construction phasing plans to manage project impacts. Construction activities requiring significant traffic changes are not expected to begin until 2027. 

Traffic impacts and other related public service announcements (PSAs) will be shared with media, posted on the main project page, ⁠halifax.ca/news and on the main municipal social media accounts.

Ongoing and short-term traffic impacts continued throughout the spring as work progressed. Updates were shared through PSAs, monthly stakeholder meetings and municipal channels to help keep residents informed and support safe travel through the construction zone.

Winter 2026

Last updated: March 31, 2026

Phase 1 activities continued through winter 2026, with work focused on advancing detailed design and completing early construction activities already underway. This included continued coordination of underground utilities, excavation and structural preparation to support future construction, as well as refinement of construction sequencing under the project’s progressive design build approach. This work supported increased design certainty and preparation for the next phase of the project.

In January 2026, a long term ramp closure was implemented to support future overpass construction. The ramp connecting Massachusetts Avenue to Highway 111 toward the Windsor Street Exchange and Bedford Highway was closed, with a marked detour in place for the duration of overpass construction. These changes improve safety and traffic operations for road users and construction crews while enabling upcoming roadway and structural work.

Additional safety measures were introduced within the Highway 111 construction zone during this period. Additional speed limit signage was posted, with reminders that speed fines double in construction zones. Rumble strips were installed at the entrance to the construction zone from the MacKay Bridge and along altered centrelines to help alert drivers to lane configurations and promote safe travel through the work area. Ongoing short term traffic changes were communicated through public service announcements.

Municipal staff also prepared a staff recommendation report for Regional Council outlining the proposed scope, budget and delivery approach for Phase 2 construction of the Windsor Street Exchange project. The report was prepared for Council’s consideration in early spring 2026 and reflects work completed to advance design readiness and prepare for the project’s construction phase, pending Council approval.

Fall 2025

Last updated: Jan. 20, 2026

Early construction activities in support of the Windsor Street Exchange project began in fall 2025. Work included lane realignments on Highway 111 between the Windsor Street/Bedford Highway intersection and changes to the ramps to/from Massachusetts Avenue to enable construction of a temporary retaining wall in preparation for a future overpass structure. Two lanes in each direction are being maintained, but drivers should expect delays and use alternate routes where possible.

These traffic changes represent the first long-term impact for this project and will remain in place until overpass construction is complete, currently scheduled for 2027, pending Regional Council approval of Phase 2 in March 2026.

Phase 1 work will continue through early 2026 and includes the extension of Forrester Street and adjustments to the current design to enable potential future enhancements.

Phase 2 of the Windsor Street Exchange project, which includes major construction activities, will only proceed if Regional Council approves the contract following a staff presentation and progress report in March 2026.

Public Service Announcements have been issued to keep residents informed about traffic impacts and detours. Updates will continue to be shared through municipal channels, public service announcements, halifax.ca/WSE and through other channels.

Summer 2025

Last updated: Sept. 12, 2025

Since being awarded the contract, the design-build team has been advancing the detailed design of the Windsor Street Exchange project while preparing for early construction activities in select areas. Construction this year will include underground and road work extending Forrester Street, as well as site preparation on Highway 111 for a new overpass structure. Detailed design of the full project area will continue in parallel.

Early construction work is planned to begin in fall 2025, with signage and detour information shared in advance through public notices, this webpage and municipal social media channels. A construction management plan is being developed to help minimize impacts on all modes of transportation during the work.

Spring 2025

Last updated: July 11, 2025

Future dedicated transit options workshop

A planning workshop was held to explore a potential future phase of the Windsor Street Exchange project. This future phase would widen the road to include dedicated inbound and outbound transit lanes and separated pedestrian and cycling facilities between Joseph Howe Drive and Kempt Road. The workshop brought together internal staff, consultants, and external partners—including Link Nova Scotia, NS Public Works, Halifax Harbour Bridges, Port of Halifax and Halifax Water—to consider conceptual scenarios, their opportunities, impacts and order-of-magnitude costs.

The value planning study that informed this workshop concluded with conceptual scenarios that would accommodate the future Bus Rapid Transit green line and active transportation facilities while maintaining the benefits of the current design. Further detailed planning and design are required before a final concept can be recommended.

Winter 2025

Last updated: May 12, 2025

Regional Council approval

In January 2025, following earlier Council direction to explore potential upgrades to enhance the transit and active transportation design within the project area, staff returned with an updated design approach. At that meeting, a motion to proceed was defeated and the project was temporarily paused.

In February 2025, staff returned to Council with additional information and an alternative recommendation—to proceed with the Windsor Street Exchange project and begin planning the second phase of the project to provide additional dedicated transit lanes and separated pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Regional Council approved this motion, and the project resumed.