New technology expected to improve traffic congestion near Halifax’s Macdonald Bridge

Traffic near the Macdonald Bridge in Dartmouth, N.S. (Jonathan MacInnis/CTV News Atlantic)

New signal-light technology is coming to routes surrounding the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge to improve flow and reduce delays and congestion in one of Halifax’s busiest traffic areas.

The adaptive signals use camera sensors so standard traffic lights can detect vehicle volumes in real time and automatically adjust the timing of the light.

“We’ve seen in other jurisdictions that adaptive signals are low impact and high benefit,” said Public Works Minister Fred Tilley in a news release Monday.

“They use existing infrastructure and they can be installed with relatively minor disruption, so daily commuters won’t have to worry about long construction periods or detours but will notice an improved experience through these key intersections.”

The province says it’s spending $700,000 to install the technology along the Macdonald Bridge corridor, with the Halifax Regional Municipality leading the installation, implementation and ongoing monitoring.

The adaptive traffic lights are coming to the following intersections in Halifax and Dartmouth:

• Nantucket Avenue at Victoria Road
• Nantucket Avenue at Zatzman Sportsplex
• Nantucket Avenue at Wyse Road
• 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 upgrades are scheduled to start this spring, with all signals operational by the fall.

“Congestion is a daily frustration for many residents, especially along our busiest corridors. Projects like this are a practical way to improve traffic flow,” said Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore.

“We’re working with the Province to use technology that helps more people move through the network we already have. This is part of our broader effort to make our transportation system more efficient, reliable and ready for growth.”

The province says it has also allocated $1 million in its 2026-27 budget to install adaptive signals along other busy Halifax corridors, including Barrington Street.

Monday’s announcement comes after the Nova Scotia and Halifax governments said in March they would spend roughly $473,000 on a review of the road network on the peninsula.

Halifax traffic

According to a study by TomTom, Halifax ranked third among Canadian cities for worst traffic congestion and average travel time in 2025.

The Amsterdam-based mapmaking company found Halifax drivers lost more than four straight days in rush-hour traffic last year.

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Sean Mott

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