Traffic study to look at community needs

FALL RIVER - Roadways around Fall River, Waverley and Wellington will soon be the subject of a transportation study to determine the area's current and future transportation infrastructure needs.

The request for proposals from companies interested in preparing the study closed Aug. 22. The HRM initiative is being undertaken in conjunction with the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

"This is huge for District 2. We are defined as a growth centre in the regional plan and we need to look at what the community's needs are right now, its future needs and development as of right," Coun. Krista Snow said.

"What impact will all that have on our existing roadways?"

The request for proposals document highlights several locations of particular importance. In addition to the Highway 102/Highway 118 interchange area, it requires assessments of the Highway 2/Fall River Road intersection and the Fall River Road/Lockview Road/MacPherson Road areas.

"Years ago, they discussed the possibility of having an on/off ramp egress on the 102 somewhere up in Wellington. Would it be feasible to build another entrance to the highway?" Snow asked. "This will look at that kind of question again. If they put that there, would traffic really go that way? We need to study the movement. How are people going to work? What routes are they taking?"

Snow said existing traffic congestion issues are compounded by development taking place elsewhere in HRM. Problems with the Highway 2 interchange and the 102 and 118 highways are widely recognized and have made the province's priority list, but Snow said that doesn't mean they'll be dealt with next year.

"If you're in Bedford or Sackville and work at Dartmouth Crossing, you're now coming to Exit 5 in Fall River and on the 118," she said.

"If you live in Sackville, there are two ways you're going to Burnside and that's through Magazine Hill or the 102/118 Fall River. I'm not saying don't drive through our district, but we need help here people."

The request for proposals document also directs potential contractors to take into consideration findings from the Fall River Vision and Action Plan that was adopted by Regional Council in October 2007.

Community members involved with that project indicated a desire for a commercial centre that would include shopping, entertainment, recreation and services at areas around Sobeys/MacPherson Square and Inn on the Lake.

The bulk of traffic growth in future years is anticipated to be generated from six residential development sites: Cameron Lands, Schwartzwald, Oaken Hills, Lake Fletcher Estates, St. Andrew's Village and St. Andrew's Village West.

"This study is important because we need good information and due diligence to make sure we make good decisions," Snow said. "This isn't a small thing. We're talking millions and millions of dollars for this kind of infrastructure."

ydentremont@hfxnews.ca