Halifax traffic has always been manageable. Sure, it could get busy during rush hour commute, but compared to other cities, it was pretty decent. Both Jane and I used to drive from Fall River to downtown, and while it was busier at times, it was generally easygoing and enjoyable.
But over the past few years, it feels like everything’s changed. Now, we see reports of crashes and gridlock nearly every day. What’s going on with Halifax traffic?
I’m not a traffic expert, but I’ve noticed a few major changes that seem to be affecting our roads:
1. Growing Population and Limited Infrastructure Our roads simply weren’t built to handle this many drivers. Halifax’s highways are mainly two lanes, and the volume has just exploded, especially on routes in and out of the city. I’m hopeful the Burnside Connector Project, expected to open in Fall 2024, will bring some relief by easing congestion across Halifax, Bedford, Sackville, and Dartmouth.
2. More People, More Cars
With a surge in population since COVID, more people are driving—many new to Halifax and Canada, or those who’ve gone back to in-office work after working from home. This influx has clearly added pressure to our roads, an increase in Halifax traffic and we’re all feeling it.
3. Driver Preparedness and Skill
Driving in Halifax used to be a relaxed experience. You could sip your coffee and enjoy the music, with plenty of space and time on the road. Now, it’s defensive driving all the way. People seem unsure how to handle the crowded conditions; some drive way too fast, while others are frustratingly slow.
4. Speed Issues – Going Too Fast or Too Slow
I enjoy driving and I don’t mind a little speed myself, but lately, it feels like everyone’s either racing by or crawling. In the UK, where I recently drove for the first time in 15 years, the speed limits were strictly followed thanks to speed cameras and fines. I noticed that UK drivers were careful and steady, which made driving feel safer. Here, we could benefit from a bit more of that consistency.
5. Distractions at the Wheel
Let’s be honest—distractions are everywhere. At any traffic light, you’ll see drivers glancing down at their phones. Again, I’m going to refer back to my recent experience driving in the UK, where the penalties for phone use while driving are steep, drivers are much more cautious. Automatic transmissions also make it easier to multitask, which doesn’t always mean safer driving.
6. Weather Woes
The weather plays a big role, too. Even on sunny, dry days, it seems like accidents clog up the commute. And when the snow starts? It’s practically guaranteed to slow us down. Winter driving in Halifax is a challenge, and not everyone here has the experience to handle it confidently.
I love Halifax and have always been a huge advocate for our city, but the traffic situation has definitely worsened. With a growing population, these are probably just growing pains, but the frustration is real for Halifax commuters. Our new mayor, Andy Fillmore, has made traffic a priority, and I hope to see real action soon.
What are your thoughts? Have I missed anything? Halifax drivers, let me know what you’re seeing on the roads!
