Washmill Lake Drive has been open to traffic since just before Christmas, but that didn't stop a few dignitaries from stopping by Bayers Lake last month to mark the roadway's ‘official' opening.
Peter MacKay, minister of National Defence; Bill Estabrooks, minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal; and Peter Kelly, Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality, gathered in the park on January 16 to formally celebrate the road's completion and the new Highway 102 overpass above it.
"Our government is proud to invest in infrastructure projects that create local jobs and economic growth, while providing safer and more efficient transportation systems," MacKay says. "The completion of this project improves commuter safety while significantly reducing traffic backlogs and congestion in Bayers Lake Business Park."
"The Washmill Lake Road extension opened in December and is providing motorists with alternative access into and out of Bayers Lake Business Park," Estabrooks says. Speaking on behalf of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister John MacDonell, Estabrooks added, "Investment in projects such as this allows the government to make life better for Nova Scotians while creating jobs and boosting the economy."
"The completion of Washmill Lake Drive emphasizes HRM's commitment to maintaining and improving our infrastructure," Kelly says. "By partnering with the other levels of government, we are able to make the maximum use of our financial resources as we keep pace with the growth of our community."
The Government of Canada provided about $3.3 million towards the project, with the Province of Nova Scotia matching this contribution. Halifax Regional Municipality contributed the remaining balance to the project.
Washmill Lake Drive (formerly Washmill Lake Court) now extends under Highway 102 and into Fairview, eventually joining to the top of Main Avenue. HRM also upgraded Washmill Lake Drive from two lanes to a major collector with four lanes in most sections, with new bike lanes, sidewalks and storm water services.
These changes created a much needed third entrance and exit to the Bayers Lake Business Park, and residents of Fairview, Clayton Park, Mainland South and Peninsula Halifax now have an alternate access point. The project also reduced traffic loading on Lacewood Drive, relieving existing and future traffic pressures and allowing for continuing development in this economic centre of HRM.
