Article in the Tri-County Vanguard, by Kathy Johnson
‘We've been the squeaky wheel, and it's finally getting some grease’: Highway 101 project in planning phase
A large section of Highway 101 in Digby County weaves through numerous residential communities. Local residents and highway users says it is an unsafe situation that has gone on for decades, especially given the speed of vehicles. The West Nova Chamber of Commerce has been pushing for a bypass. CONTRIBUTED Photo by Tina Comeau /CONTRIBUTED
While the West Nova Chamber of Commerce says it is ‘cautiously optimistic’ about the provincial government’s new commitment to bringing the 25-kilometre section of Highway 101 between Marshalltown and Weymouth up to 100 series standards, the chamber also says it is not going to stop advocating for it.
“For the Highway 101 section between Marshalltown and Weymouth the project is in the planning phase with efforts focused on finalizing the route location process,” reads a letter from provincial Public Works Minister Fred Tiley to the chamber.
Last year, the chamber launched a campaign to bring attention to the safety concerns and issues with this section of highway.
This part of ‘Highway 101’ runs through a residential corridor where posted speed limits are 80 and 90 kilometres an hour. Roads don’t just branch off this section of ‘highway’, but countless driveways too. The stretch of road travels through numerous communities, including Ashmore, Gilbert’s Cove, Plympton, Barton and Brighton.
A call by the chamber in 2024 for Digby County Highway 101 horror stories exceeded 300 submissions in the first few weeks. A petition, bearing 250 signatures, has also been prepared to present to the Nova Scotia Legislature.
“The West Nova Chamber has been relentless in keeping this issue in the spotlight. We’ve been the squeaky wheel, and it’s finally getting some grease,” says Dan White, West Nova Chamber of Commerce CEO. “We can’t let up now. We need to keep the pressure on.”
Still, White says the Chamber has actually taken some flak for pushing the issue.
“Some folks actually think finishing the highway will hurt businesses. Seriously? Have they not noticed the businesses already closing or relocating because of the current dangerous conditions?” he says. “Trying to make a 90-degree turn onto a property from a 90 km/h zone is a recipe for disaster. And emergency services are screaming for limited access.”
A school bus pulls over to let traffic pass along a residential section of Highway 101 in Digby County. CONTRIBUTED Photo by Tina Comeau /CONTRIBUTED
Although bad driving is part of the problem, that doesn’t excuse the dangerous design of the road itself, says White.
“Big trucks barrel through, school buses stop unexpectedly, and people and pets try to cross – it’s a nightmare waiting to happen,” he says. “We’re pushing hard for lower speed limits and are told a new study has been done. It’s telling that Trunk 1 has lower limits – maybe because it’s not labeled ‘Highway 101,’ which seems to be an invitation for some drivers to put the pedal to the metal.”
In his letter, Tiley says the department initiated a new safety study in 2024 that is nearing completion.
“The findings and recommendations will guide further safety improvements to the existing highway, serving as interim measures until such time as the province is able to commit to the construction of the new section,” the minister says.
White says the Chamber is “cautiously optimistic” about the new government’s commitment, especially with the improved communication.
“We believe a collaborative approach is best, but we won’t hesitate to call them out if they backslide,” he says.
“The Chamber is now laser-focused on advocacy, and this highway is our top priority. We know this area can be resistant to change, but this isn’t just about change. It’s about safety, economic development, and common sense,” says White. “We’re going to keep fighting until this highway is finished.”
White says the community can help by donating to the chamber’s advertising and signage campaign. The chamber also has an open petition on its website that people are invited to sign.
People driving on Highway 101 between Marshalltown and Weymouth in Digby County have to contend with an unfinished section of the highway that passes through a residential corridor that spans around 25 kilometres. It’s the only unfinished section of the highway between Yarmouth and Halifax. TINA COMEAU Photo by Tina Comeau /.
“Frankly, it’s been a long, frustrating haul. For years, it felt like this vital project was completely forgotten by successive governments. But things are finally shifting,” White says. “Our new minister of Public Works seems genuinely engaged, and they’re keeping the Premier in the loop – a welcome change from the ‘not there yet’ attitude we faced before the election. Even our local MLA seems more proactive, which is encouraging.”
In his letter, Tiley says while Highway 101 remains one of the many highway infrastructure priorities, “We will continue to assess this project alongside other needs as part of our broader commitment to delivering a safe, efficient and sustainable transportation network for Nova Scotians.”
In August 2019 a new four-kilometre controlled-access section of Highway 101 called the Digby to Marshalltown Corridor – bypassing part of Trunk 1 – opened.
When it was announced the province said the project was approved for federal and provincial cost-sharing at an estimated cost of $17 million. The province said construction of that four-kilometre corridor was the first phase of future Highway 101 controlled access from Digby at Exit 26 to Weymouth North at Exit 27.
Still, while there is optimism for continued work, there will also be a waiting period.
“A new highway from Marshalltown and Weymouth is not currently part of our five-year Highway plan,” says Gary Andrea of Public Works’ communications.