Infrastructure experts not surprised by Macdonald Bridge delays
Posted Oct 26, 2015 06:30:57 AM.
Last Updated Oct 26, 2015 08:02:41 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – Two local infrastructure experts say they’re not surprised with recent delays and slowdowns from the Big Lift Project in Halifax, culminating last week when the Macdonald Bridge was delayed in opening for the morning rush hour on two separate days.
On top of that, traffic has also been slowed because of a large bump created by a transition plate from the new section to the old sections of that bridge near the Dartmouth side.
Ahsan Habib, director of the Dalhousie Transportation Collaboratory, said based on what a recent study on the possibility of delayed opening for the Macdonald Bridge, it’s not shocking what unfolded on the streets of Halifax last week.
“We were looking at quite the probability of delays,” Habib said. “That’s based on different criteria like weather, precipitation, the wind, or the incident involved in construction,” he said, referring to a delay in moving a piece of equipment.
“There’s on average a probability of between 18 and 21 per cent chance it could happen on any given day.”
Habib said a one-hour delay could cost the local economy $22,000 because of lost travel time during the morning peak.
Kevin Quigley, director of the MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance, recently authored a paper titled “What would happen if the bridge opening is delayed?”
Quigley said despite the inconvenience, people, especially commuters need to learn to adapt in the event of the bridge closing for extended periods of time.
Halifax Harbour Bridges said last week they have told the contractor they are suspending all closures until they’re able to sort out the current issues, and no overnight closures will take place until Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. at the earliest.
