Cogswell District construction brings traffic, bus disruptions

Work on Halifax's new Cogswell District is entering its next phase, bringing changes that will affect downtown bus routes and close off a section of Barrington Street forthe next six months or so.

As of Monday, Barrington Street from Upper Water Street to Duke Street is closed.

The municipality will be realigning and regrading that section of the roadand installing underground services for a new Halifax Transit bus hub.

The hub is expected to open by the end of the year and include heated shelters, more seating space and wider sidewalks.

Thepartial closure of Barrington Street alsomeans the four bus bays around Scotia Square will be temporarily moved to different locations. This willimpact30 routes that pass through Barrington Street and the surrounding areas.

Bay 1 will be located on Granville Street before Duke Street, Bay 2 will be on Barrington Street before George Street, Bay 3 will be at Albemarle Street before Duke Street and Bay 4 will be on Barrington Street before Prince Street.

All of this roadworkis to make way for the Cogswell District project, which aims to createa new 6.5-hectare neighbourhood designed to connect downtown with the city's north end and waterfront.

The neighbourhoodwill have new streets, multiple parks and have enough living space for around 5,000 people.

The $122.6-million project is expected to be complete in 2025, and that's when construction on buildings can begin.