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Wider commuter route good for the environment?
by Scott Gilbreath ~ February 13th, 2009
Halifax has proposed widening a busy commuter route into the city. One section of Bayers Road would be widened from two lanes to four, and another from two lanes to six. Residents are up in arms, but Barry Barnet, Minister of Conserve Nova Scotia, claims it would be good for the environment.
Mr. Barnet said improving the traffic system can be beneficial to the environment by reducing the number of cars that are idling and in some cases, shortening the distances from Point A to B.
[…]
Dave McCusker of Halifax’s transportation department said Wednesday the plan would mean taking off sections of about 80 properties along the route, which dismayed residents who live in the area.
Bayers Road is a major bottleneck during morning and evening rush hours but, obviously, widening the road will enable more commuters to drive to and from work alone. I’m not necessarily against that, but it is idiotic to claim that facilitating single-passenger commuting will benefit the environment.
Click here for a map of the affected area.
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