Port Hastings rotary; CIGO file photo
A public information session on the provinces plan to upgrade the Port Hastings Rotary into a modern roundabout was held at the fire hall on Monday night.
This new roundabout will meet the safety standards of other Nova Scotia Roundabouts once its finished and reduce traffic backup during the tourist season. One issue with the current rotary’s design is that it puts high speed traffic on the Highway in the path of slower moving traffic increasing the risk of a collision and fatal crashes have occurred.
According to the project description a bypass lane will be put in place to allow vehicles coming from Port Hawkesbury on Trunk 4 to proceed to Trunk 19 without having to enter the roundabout. Highway 104 westbound from the roundabout to the swing bridge will also be expanded to two lanes allowing for additional vehicles to wait to cross the causeway.
The province will work to ensure traffic delays are reduced once the construction begins and they will develop a plan to model traffic during the construction phase. The new design will also ensure that emergency vehicles can still get to their destinations during busy times.
The fund for this project comes from the Government of Nova Scotia through the 100 Series Access Improvements Fund. Construction is expected to start this coming spring and be completed by fall 2024.
