A proposed lane change could signal improvements along a notoriously congested stretch of highway leading to downtown Halifax.
The Bedford Highway is a three-lane highway that is a direct route between Bedford and Halifax for thousands of residents who live in the suburb and work in the city.
“In the morning, everyone is jammed in here and these other two lanes are pretty much empty going to Bedford,” says Matt Whitman, a daily commuter and city councillor.
After years of sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, Whitman came up with a solution.
“So, if that middle lane could be used going in in the morning and out at night, perfect,” says Whitman.
Tuesday, Halifax Regional Council agreed to go ahead with a report to consider an additional lane during rush hours. The reversing lane would allow traffic to flow in either direction, depending on the need.
“People are in a rush to get back and forth from work, so I always try to avoid the Bedford Highway if at all possible. So I think it would be an excellent idea,” says driver Marilyn Richey.
Another idea that has come forward is a high occupancy vehicle lane. Whitman says it could be combined with the reversing lane to encourage people to car pool, save gas money and help the environment.
Still, some drivers are doubtful.
“Doesn't really matter what you do to the Bedford Highway, you still have to come to the Fairview Overpass and that's been a shamoozle for the last 50 years,” says driver Jim Jamieson.
City council has agreed to look at the feasibility of a partial reversing lane and will spend some time on a report before the lane is given a green light.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kelland Sundahl
