Halifax's Macdonald Bridge closing to vehicle traffic this weekend

One of the bridges to Halifax will be closed to vehicles this weekend while crews complete several maintenance projects.

The Angus L. Macdonald Bridge will close to vehicle traffic on Friday at 7 p.m. and will reopen Monday at 5:30 a.m.

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Halifax Harbour Bridges (HHB) says the pedestrian walkway and bike lane will remain open during the closure. However, the commission says there may be short, intermittent delays.

Pedestrians and cyclists may be directed to stop and will be allowed to proceed when it’s safe to do so.

"The main reason is we are replacing a bearing, which is a piece of infrastructure that helps absorb the vibrations of the bridge,” said Steve Proctor with Halifax Harbour Bridges.

An estimated 30,000 vehicles will need to find alternative routes this weekend.

“Our advice is the same advice we give with all our closures: plan ahead, see if you can try alternative routes and try the ferry out and go at off peak hours,” said Proctor.

HHB says this weekend’s project concludes a multi-year program to replace the bearings used in the original construction of the bridge. However, officials can’t guarantee more closures won’t happen before 2025 if the bridge’s regular inspections reveal more work needs to be done.

HHB says this weekend’s project concludes a multi-year program to replace the bearings used in the original construction of the bridge.

Other projects include line painting, guardrail welding and work at the toll plaza.

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