The Halifax Harbour Bridges Commission says everything is on track with the Macdonald Bridge Big Lift project – and the sunny weather this weekend will help as crews replace two more deck segments.
"The end of the project isn't until the fall of 2017, and we're definitely on target for that,” said Alison MacDonald of the Halifax Harbour Bridges Commission. “The most disruptive part of the project is replacing the deck segments."
It's been nearly a year since the bridge's bike lane and sidewalk was shut down as part of the Big Lift – the largest undertaking since the bridge was built 61 years ago.
Crews began replacing all 46 deck segments in October, and in April they began doubling up.
Segments 23 and 24 will be replaced this weekend.
"We're a little more than halfway across the span and after this weekend we'll be over halfway in terms of the number of deck segments,” said MacDonald.
Officials say the bike lanes and sidewalks are scheduled to open on time in December.
The next part of the Big Lift will be to replace the ten-metre long deck segments above land on the Halifax side.
It's led to a passenger increase on the harbour ferries.
"Since the Big Lift has started with the evening closures, what we've seen is a reduction of passenger’s loads on the bus side of things," said Dave Reage, director of Halifax Transit.
Officials say the project may go over budget. It was originally expected to cost $205 million, but will likely be $2 million over.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Suzette Belliveau.
