The Government of Nova Scotia announced that drivers in Wellington and the surrounding area will have a safer commute and a better connection to Highway 102 with the opening of the Aerotech Connector.
The new five-kilometre highway connects Trunk 2 to Exit 5A of Highway 102 south of Enfield. The new route – opening to traffic in early September – will provide better access from Wellington to Aerotech Industrial Park and the Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
“The new Aerotech Connector will make travel safer, better and more efficient for thousands of Nova Scotians every day,” said Fred Tilley, Minister of Public Works. “This is a significant piece of infrastructure that offers a solution that manages the challenges of growth as we address the needs of the travelling public.”
The project includes a climbing lane to allow drivers to pass slower moving vehicles as they travel uphill. Most of the road is built lower than the surrounding homes and is lined by trees to reduce noise and visibility.
“Investing in improvements to our roads and highways is key to building strong, sustainable communities. Less time spent in traffic means increased productivity, fewer greenhouse gas emissions and more time to spend with friends and family,” said Braedon Clark, Member of Parliament for Sackville–Bedford–Preston.
The location of the connector was chosen to avoid or minimize the impact to environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands.
“Dexter Construction and the Municipal Group are proud to have constructed the Aerotech Connector with the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works. Highway work is vitally important to our communities, to foster safe and efficient travel and allow them to grow. For the dozens of local employees and subcontractors on this large-scale project, it also provides an opportunity to challenge and expand their skills, part of what motivates them to live and work here in Nova Scotia. We thank the Province and federal government for their continued investment into the infrastructure of our communities,” said Ken MacLean, Vice-President, Dexter Construction Co. Ltd.
The total project cost is about $70 million, including $10 million provided by the federal government. Roundabouts have been built where the new connector joins with Highway 102, and at the intersection of Trunk 2 and Sunnylea Road.
“Dexter Construction and the Municipal Group are proud to have constructed the Aerotech Connector with the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works. Highway work is vitally important to our communities, to foster safe and efficient travel and allow them to grow. For the dozens of local employees and subcontractors on this large-scale project, it also provides an opportunity to challenge and expand their skills, part of what motivates them to live and work here in Nova Scotia. We thank the Province and federal government for their continued investment into the infrastructure of our communities,” said Ken MacLean, Vice-President, Dexter Construction Co. Ltd.
The total project cost is about $70 million, including $10 million provided by the federal government. Roundabouts have been built where the new connector joins with Highway 102, and at the intersection of Trunk 2 and Sunnylea Road.
Featured image: The new five-kilometer Aerotech Connector that connects Trunk 2 in Wellington to Exit 5A of Highway 102, south of Enfield. (Province of Nova Scotia)