Last updated: March 18, 2026
Project overview
Approximate project area
The Halifax Regional Municipality is planning safety and infrastructure upgrades along Waverley Road between civic addresses 1291 and 1335 as part of the proposed 2026/27 Capital Budget. This work supports the municipality’s commitment to safe, accessible and reliable transportation infrastructure, aligning with the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan.
Key improvements include:
- Replacement and extension of the guiderail on the west side of Waverley Road between civics 1291 and 1335.
- Shoulder widening toward Lake William to accommodate the new guiderail. To do this, the municipality will install a new retaining wall along a portion of this area and reshape and stabilize the bank slope in the remaining areas.
- Repaving the full width of Waverley Road within the project area, to reinstate the road surface after construction.
- The municipality is working with Halifax Water to replace stormwater pipes/culverts in the area while this project is taking place.
- The municipality is working with Nova Scotia Power to accommodate utility pole/line relocations that are necessary to allow for the guiderail and retaining wall installation.
Working near Lake William
Portions of the project involve work along the shore of Lake William. The municipality has received the required environmental approvals from Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change. Environmental protection measures will be in place throughout construction to safeguard the lake.
Project status and timeline
This project is currently in the tender stage. Construction is planned to take place roughly between May and September 2026. A more detailed project schedule will be available as this project approaches the construction phase.
Project updates and communications
Traffic impacts and other related Public Service Announcements (PSAs) will be shared with media, posted on halifax.ca/news and on the municipal Bluesky account: @hfxgov.bsky.social
The contractor working on behalf of the municipality is responsible for providing written notification of upcoming construction impacts to residents and businesses directly adjacent to the project area.
- Recent project-related PSAs
- Links to related PSAs will be posted here when they are available.
Project background
- Previous guiderail work on Waverley Road
This project is part of a larger initiative to upgrade existing guiderail infrastructure and add new guiderail infrastructure along Waverley Road. Some of this work was completed at several locations along Waverley Road in 2022, which included guiderail replacement, bank stabilization, drainage improvements and retaining wall construction.
During the 2022 work, one site required an unanticipated full road closure to safely complete the installation of a retaining wall. This resulted in a long-distance and long-term detour impacting nearby residents and road users.
Lessons learned
The municipality recognizes that this past experience was challenging for the community. Those lessons have directly informed planning for the current 2026 project. As a result:
- Construction staging has been adjusted to limit full closures as much as possible.
- When full closures are necessary, they are expected to be short in duration (no more than three days at a time, taking place during weekends, when possible). The closed portion of the road will be limited to the immediate work area.
- Local and emergency access will be maintained from both ends of the closure.
- The municipality will coordinate closely with nearby provincial work to reduce combined disruption.
- Clear, early, and ongoing communication will be provided throughout construction.
- For most of the project, only one lane will be closed. Traffic will alternate in a stop‑and‑go pattern, allowing vehicles to move through the work zone in both directions, though some delays should be expected.
This proactive approach is intended to support a safer work site and a more predictable experience for residents and people traveling through the area.
Common questions
- Why is this work being done?
This section of Waverley Road requires guiderail upgrades and bank stabilization to improve road safety and maintain the integrity of transportation infrastructure. This work also provides an opportunity to support Halifax Water’s stormwater management improvements.
- Will access to my property be maintained?
Yes. Local access to all properties will be maintained throughout the project. During planned full closures, residents will be able to enter and exit from the nearest end of the closure.
- How long will traffic delays last?
For most of the project, at least a single lane will be maintained with stop-and-go traffic in both directions of travel, which may result in some delays. The municipality will coordinate with the province to reduce combined traffic impacts from nearby provincial construction projects.
- Will the road be fully closed at any point?
Some stages of the work will require short-term full road closures. When these occur, they are expected to last no more than three days at a time, typically on weekends when traffic volumes are lower. The closed portion of the road will be limited to the immediate work area. Local access will be maintained from both ends of the closure, and emergency access will be maintained at all times.
- How will I know if a full closure is happening?
Any planned full closures will be communicated in advance through PSAs, halifax.ca/news, municipal social media channels, and/or written notices delivered directly to residents and businesses in the project area.
- Why can’t the municipality avoid full closures entirely?
Full closures are only used when required for safety. In this case, short-term full closures will be necessary for activities related to the relocation of utility poles and lines.
- Will access for emergency vehicles be maintained?
Yes. For much of the project, this section of Waverley Road will operate with a single lane of traffic, operated in a one-direction-at-a-time stop-and-go manner. Local and emergency vehicle access will be maintained, relatively undisrupted.
Some stages of the work will require both lanes to be closed within the project area. Emergency services will be made aware of any full road closures and emergency vehicle access to properties within the work area will be maintained at all times.
- How will the project impact pedestrians and cyclists?
Pedestrian and cyclist access will remain available as much as possible, and will be supported by the presence of traffic control personnel.
- Will curbside garbage, recycling or green bin collection be impacted?
No major impacts to curbside collection are anticipated. If adjustments to collection routes or timing are required, residents will be notified in advance.
- What environmental protections are in place for Lake William?
The municipality has received approvals from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change.
Environmental protection measures will be implemented by the contractor and will be in place throughout construction to protect the lake while this important road safety project is carried out.
- Will construction be noisy?
Some noise is expected during regular working hours due to equipment used for excavation, retaining wall installation, asphalt work, etc. For the most part, work is planned to take place during standard construction hours to reduce disruption.
- Why is the municipality coordinating with Halifax Water and Nova Scotia Power?
Coordinating this municipal work with Halifax Water’s stormwater infrastructure replacements and Nova Scotia Power’s utility pole relocations, which are required to accommodate the municipality’s work, reduces the need for future disruptions and improves the efficiency of the project.
- Can I still receive deliveries or have services visit my home?
Yes. Local access to all properties within the project limits will be maintained. If a short, temporary access restriction is required, the contractor will provide advance notice and work with property owners to support their needs while accommodating the work.
- Where can I find the most up-to-date project information?
Updates will be posted on halifax.ca/waverleyroad, halifax.ca/news, and on the municipal Bluesky account @hfxgov.bsky.social.
Questions?
Email contactus@311.halifax.ca or call 311.