**** HRM Media Release
Public Service Announcement
Plan ahead for the Holiday Parade of Lights in Downtown Halifax
UPDATE: The two-lane closure on the MacKay bridge originally scheduled for this weekend has been postponed. Both bridges will be fully open. Residents are encouraged to visit www.hdbc.ca for the most up-to-date information.
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents to be prepared for significant crowds and traffic delays in Downtown Halifax for the Holiday Parade of Lights on Saturday, November 19.
With thousands of spectators expected to line the parade route, residents are urged to plan their travel in advance and consider taking public transit to and from downtown Halifax, as parking will be limited and traffic is anticipated to be heavy.
Parade Route and Traffic Delays
Traffic impact: From 3 to 8 p.m., traffic delays are expected as the parade travels through the community. The parade will begin on Rannie Drive at the intersection with Gottingen Street, head down Duke Street, south on Barrington Street, west onto Spring Garden Road, travel south onto South Park Street, west on University Avenue before dispersing north on Robie Street.
The event will be traffic controlled and escorted by Halifax Regional Police. There will be street closures for the parade route and some adjacent streets, beginning at 3 p.m. For more details on the parade and its new route please visit: https://www.saltwire.com/holiday-parade-lights/.
Residents are also advised the MacKay bridge will have a two-lane closure in place this weekend to facilitate maintenance work. Residents are encouraged to visit www.hdbc.ca for the most up-to-date information.
As a reminder, The primary travel lanes running north and south through the Cogswell Interchange from Barrington Street south of Cornwallis Street are closed for construction in the Cogswell District.
Motorists should expect delays and are asked to use alternative routes whenever possible.
Halifax Transit Bus and Ferry Services
Halifax Transit is offering free ferry service between the Alderney and Halifax ferry terminals, beginning at 3 until 10 p.m., and will operate on a 15-minute frequency during this time period. In lieu of fare payment, ferry passengers are encouraged to bring a food or monetary donation to support the Parker Street Food Bank this holiday season.
Halifax Transit buses that normally travel on the affected downtown Halifax streets will be detoured starting at 6 p.m. Residents can visit the Service Disruptions webpage for more information on affected routes.
