Sign Change to Help Entry on 100-Series Highways

A change to signs on highway entrance ramps will give clearer, more positive instruction to drivers as they enter Nova Scotia's 100-series highways.

Currently there are yield signs at all entrance ramps regardless of the length of the acceleration lane. Beginning in May that will change.

At interchanges where there is a short acceleration lane -- less than 180 metres -- yield signs will remain in place, alerting drivers that they have a limited acceleration distance before they are forced to move into the through-traffic lane.

At interchanges where acceleration lanes are longer, new signs will replace the yield signs. If the acceleration lane is more than 180 metres long, the new signs will instruct drivers to merge. If the acceleration lane is more than 500 metres long there will be a new, added lane sign, so drivers know they have more time and distance to complete their merge into the through-traffic lane.

"Because our system of 100-series highways has evolved over time we have a variety of interchange types," said Ron Russell acting Minister of Transportation and Public Works . "Changing these signs will make it safer for drivers by giving them an indication of the distance available to complete their merge into a traffic lane."

There are about 250 entrance ramps around Nova Scotia and new signs will be required for more than half. Work will take place throughout the month of May. Drivers should be aware of work crews and slow down in construction zones.

For sign samples and more information on these changes see the department's web page at www.gov.ns.ca/tran/ .