Macdonald Bridge reopens after ‘Big Lift’ delays
Posted Oct 19, 2015 06:32:15 AM.
Last Updated Oct 19, 2015 10:17:40 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Traffic is once again rolling across the Macdonald Bridge.
The bridge had been closed since Friday night for the next phase of the Big Lift project, and was originally expected to re-open at 5:30 a.m., in time for the morning commute, however that time was pushed back several times this morning.
Steve Snider, general manager and CEO of Halifax Harbour Bridges, told The Rick Howe Show the set back was due to difficulties installing four large traction rods.
“It just took longer than expected to get those in place,” explained Snider. “They had to be in place before they do the finish work and get it all ready to reopen to traffic.”
The tweeting of frustrations caused by traffic delays around the region even resulted in ‘Macdonald Bridge’ becoming a trending Twitter topic in Canada Monday morning.
Crews removed the first section of the bridge on Friday night, lowering it on to a barge.
It’s the first of 46 pieces to be replaced, with the total project costing $150 million.
This is only the second time a project like this has been attempted, the first being the re-decking of the Lion’s Gate Bridge in Vancouver.
