WELLINGTON: The $70 million Aerotech Connector is just days away from officially opening to the public for use, the Minister of Public Works told a crowd gathered at its ribbon cutting on a bright sunny Thursday morning.
Fred Tilley, Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank MLA Brian Wong, MP for Sackville-Bedford-Preston Bradeon Clark, and Mark Underhill from Dexter Construction, were on hand to speak to media with many of the workers who had a hand on the project also there.
The new five-kilometre highway, first announced in 2019 and construction started in 2021 but had delays due to COVID plus environmental reasons on site, will connect Highway 2 to Exit 5A at Aerotech Park near the Halifax Airport.
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 Tilley.
“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 four officially cut the ribbon to mark the completion of the Connector. It is undergoing final inspections before it will open.
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Tilley joined The Laker News’ Pat Healey for the first vehicle drive on the new connector after the ribbon cutting. They were joined by Wong as part of the short drive to check it out.
Here is our video story of the announcement on Thursday.
Video story sponsored by Hilchie’s Septic.
Video edited by Matt Dagley
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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.
The location of the connector was chosen to avoid or minimize the impact to environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands.
Quotes:
“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.”
— Braedon Clark, Member of Parliament for Sackville–Bedford–Preston.
“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.”
— Ken MacLean, Vice-President, Dexter Construction Co. Ltd.
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