The governments of Nova Scotia and Canada announced that the Cambridge Interchange project is expected to begin later this year. Exit 14A will be built between Exit 14 in Coldbrook and Exit 15 in Berwick.
“This is an area of Nova Scotia that routinely experiences delays and heavy truck traffic on secondary roads near schools and residential areas. This new exit will improve travel times and safety and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Public Works Minister Kim Masland. “As part of a major trade corridor, the project will also support the local, provincial and national economy, while creating business opportunities for the Annapolis Valley First Nation.”
The interchange offers development opportunities by providing access to lands in the Annapolis Valley First Nation community and the Municipality of the County of Kings. The interchange will improve supply chain efficiency for major industrial, commercial and agri-food businesses in the area, including Michelin.
“Today’s historic investment by the Government of Canada under the National Trade Corridor Fund is so important to many stakeholders. It eases truck traffic on Highway 1 for residential homeowners and improves public safety while increasing logistical efficiency for the Michelin plant. It opens opportunities for residential and commercial development for the Municipality of the County of Kings, as well as Annapolis Valley First Nation, and I know this will be welcome news for many in the area,” said Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, on behalf of Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport.
The project is estimated to cost $47 million with the Province providing about $25.3 million and the federal government committing about $21.8 million.
“We are excited for today’s announcement and the opportunities it will bring to Annapolis Valley First Nation and the whole valley region. We are optimistic that this new interchange will not only increase safety for our members and for surrounding communities, but it will also help us to increase economic opportunities for our entire region,” said Chief Gerald Toney, Annapolis Valley First Nation.
“This project will enable large semi-trailer trucks and other traffic bound for our midwest Kings County communities and Annapolis Valley First Nation to bypass our small business and residential areas and arrive efficiently and safely. It will also serve a newly planned Kings business park and Michelin. This is important to both current needs and future plans for the area while increasing safety and easing congestion on Highway 1,” said Peter Muttart, Mayor, Municipality of the County of Kings.
Quick facts:
- the interchange will be constructed with a traditional diamond ramp configuration including roundabouts at each of the new intersections
- along the south connector road, a bridge will be built over the Cornwallis River and a tunnel will be constructed on the Harvest Moon Trailway to safely accommodate trail users
- the project is undergoing a provincial environmental assessment
- the work is expected to take three years to complete
Featured image: (Communications Nova Scotia)
