Interchange for Ben Jackson Road
A new interchange is going to be built at Ben Jackson Road, Exit 8A, as part of the twinning project on Highway 101.
Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, said a full diamond interchange provides the greatest benefits to Nova Scotians using or living near this road. The interchange is made up of four one-way ramps, which are used at other exits on Nova Scotia highways.
"Convenient access to Highway 101 is vital to residents and businesses here," said Mr. Russell. "We listened to the people who depend on the intersection, we studied the traffic volumes and patterns, and we found that an interchange will provide the greatest benefit to the public."
"This was the choice of the people, and to say we're pleased is an understatement," said Wayne Folker, Mayor of Hantsport. "We're happy with the process and the result, because it helps us to prepare for future growth in our area."
Mr. Russell said the impact on property values, development opportunities and travel time for emergency vehicles and other services were considered in his decision to approve the interchange.
"The Ben Jackson Road intersection is unique in that it was originally opened for temporary traffic almost 40 years ago. Residents and other users have clearly come to rely on this highway," said the minister. "Through our study, it is obvious that taking away that access now would create hardship for too many users."
"This is great news for the future of our reserve," said Chief Shirley Clarke of Glooscap First Nation. "It will be good all around, for economic as well as social purposes."
An independent consultant was hired to examine the cost and impact of three options for Ben Jackson Road -- a tunnel to connect with Trunk 1, an extension of Ben Jackson Road to the West Brooklyn Road, or an interchange.
The consultant interviewed municipalities, businesses and individuals near the intersection, reviewed traffic volumes, and carried out a cost-benefit analysis of alternatives to the current at-grade intersection at Exit 8A.
An interchange will cost more but the consultant determined that it also carried the most benefit for the community based on existing traffic patterns.
"A long-standing safety issue is being addressed in a way that is considerate of the Ben Jackson Road community," said Community Services Minister David Morse. "Safer access to the highway will benefit residents and all road users."
The Department of Transportation and Public Works is planning to upgrade Highway 101 to four lanes from St. Croix to Windsor, and from Falmouth to Avonport. Cost sharing between the province and the federal government has been approved in principle.
Two public open houses were held about the project, one in Windsor and one in Avonport. The department hired the consultant to review the alternatives following these meetings. The consultant's report is available on the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/tran/publications/publication.asp
The interchange will be built during the next phase of twinning Highway 101. Clearing for the highway is expected to begin in February 2005 and construction is expected to take about three years.