Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh M
I'm not saying that it wouldn't reduce traffic, but I'm saying that there is always going to be heavy traffic during rush hour. I think that a third bridge would be too expensive and we should look at maybe improving our current bridges if that is possible. Maybe have two levels so that each could in different directions.
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From what I understand, the MacDonald bridge cannot be expanded any further without being replaced by a new structure. However, you make a good point regarding improvements. While they are just bandaids, some comparatively simple changes could help.
The approaches at either end of the MacDonald are straight out of the 1950s. On the Dartmouth side, an elevated toll plaza over Wyse Road to eliminate the traffic signals would help greatly. The same holds true for a way for traffic to turn left onto Wyse without backing up onto the bridge. Widening the Dartmouth end to reduce the restriction just prior to the toll plaza would also be a good move. On the Halifax side, eliminating the pedestrian crosswalk or building an elevated roadway over it would help a great deal, although dumping so much of the traffic onto the cartpath known as North St is always going to be a problem. Still, I think some smart design could increase capacity greatly.
The problem with the MacKay is of course the disaster known as the Windsor St exchange. A grade-separated interchange is the only solution to that mess. That should be combined with a proper connection to the Bicentennial Highway/102 that eliminates the use of Joe Howe and other surface streets.
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