‘It all bodes well’
Interchange open, paving way for growth in New Minas
The new Granite Drive interchange is now open for use in New Minas.
The new road system was officially opened Dec. 17, allowing drivers to use the interchange and roundabouts to travel directly from Highway 101 — taking exit 11A, located between exits 11 in Greenwich, and 12 just before Kentville — to Commercial Street in New Minas.
The new roadwork includes a bridge, four ramps forming a diamond interchange and three roundabouts.
Kings County Coun. Jim Winsor, who serves the New Minas and Greenwich areas, says the project means people will now be able to enjoy “better traffic flow” while shopping within New Minas.
“If you were coming into downtown from east or west, then [you would previously take] exit 11 or 12, then very busy Highway 1. With the exit open, you can now drive down right into the shopping area,” he says.
“I have heard many times, certainly around Christmas, people have said they wouldn’t drive down there. We want shoppers in New Minas, but we want a good flow of traffic to allow them easy in and out.”
This opening follows the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal’s original plans to have the interchange finalized for the 2018 Christmas shopping season.
The project cost a total $17 million and received more than $9 million in provincial contributions and $7.6 million from the federal government.
New Minas is also celebrating 50 years since incorporation this year, and Winsor says the new interchange and other business expansions “all bode well for the future of New Minas.”
He says the interchange specifically is paving the way for new business and further development in the village near the highway.
“It opens up, also, the other side of Highway 101, which is the expansion area for New Minas. That makes this all accessible to future growth,” he says.
Harris pleaded guilty to the charge on Dec. 18. Judge Ronda Van Der Hoek fined Harris a total of $1,000 and imposed a one-year driving prohibition against him.
Harris committed the offence in Greenwich on July 29. The legal blood alcohol limit is 80 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood. Harris gave a blood alcohol reading of 90.
A charge of possessing a stolen 2004 Honda Civic of a value not exceeding $5,000 has been adjourned to Jan. 15 for plea. This charge has not been proven in court.
Conditional discharge for assault with weapon
Diane Carol Bruce, 45, of Greenwood, has been handed a conditional discharge with probation for using a weapon in committing an assault.
Bruce pleaded guilty to the charge on Dec. 18. Judge Ronda Van Der Hoek handed Bruce a conditional discharge with nine months of probation.
Bruce committed the offence in Greenwood on Sept. 29.
Drove while disqualified
Kyle Joseph Anthony, 25, of New Minas, has been fined for operating a motor vehicle while disqualified.
Anthony pleaded guilty to the charge on Dec. 18. Judge Ronda Van Der Hoek fined Anthony a total of $500 and imposed a one-year driving prohibition against him.
Anthony committed the offence in New Minas on Oct. 31.