One of the main routes connecting Halifax, Dartmouth to close most weekends this June
One of the main routes connecting Dartmouth, N.S., and Halifax, N.S., will be closed most weekends this June.
A. Murray MacKay Bridge closures
A news release from Halifax Harbour Bridges (HHB) says the A. Murray MacKay Bridge will be closed for four weekends to allow maintenance and inspection projects to be completed that can't be done while the bridge is open to traffic.
“We understand traffic disruptions occur any time we close a bridge – or even close a lane – so we only take these measures when there is no other way to do the work safely and efficiently,” says Halifax Harbour Bridges CEO Tony Wright.
“However, as our bridges age, more maintenance is needed to help extend the service life of these structures. Closures are inevitable.”
The MacKay Bridge will be closed on the following dates:
- 7 p.m. Friday, June 7 to 5:30 a.m. Monday, June 10
- 7 p.m. Friday, June 14 to 5:30 a.m. Monday, June 17
- 7 p.m. Friday, June 21 to 5:30 a.m. Monday, June 24
- 7 p.m. Friday, July 5 to 5:30 a.m. Monday, July 8
The bridge commission warns the closure will cause traffic delays and heavier than usual traffic on the Angus L. MacDonald Bridge.
Communications manager Steve Proctor said they have set aside a $5.8 million budget for the bridge work. Crews will replace and re-asphalt the centre south lane on the bridge and perform inspections.
"We don’t do it lightly but there’s bridge work we can’t do in winter and can’t do at night," he said. "We're trying to get as much done as possible."
Angus L. Macdonald Bridge closures
The Macdonald Bridge will also close for maintenance work according to the bridge commission, but only for one weekend.
That closure is scheduled for:
- 7 p.m. Friday. Aug. 16 to 5:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19
HHB says the Macdonald Bridge will also be closed during the following times:
- Sunday, May 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of the Blue Nose Marathon route
- Sunday, Aug. 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for MACPASS Miles road races and Bridgewalk 2024
- Monday, Aug. 5 from 7:30 a.m. to noon as part of the Natal Day Parade route
Anyone with a MACPASS app will be notified of any bridge closures or restrictions.
HHB also announces closures on its social media sites and on its message boards around the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Consider another route
The bridge commission suggests drivers take alternate routes or arrange travel around the closure times.
"Allow extra time to cross the Macdonald Bridge, avoid peak travel hours, use buses and ferries, or leave your vehicle at home and use the pedestrian walkway or bicycle lane on the Macdonald, instead," reads the release.
Proctor noted such closures will continue as the bridges get older and require further maintenance.
Live traffic conditions on the bridges can be viewed on the HHB's website or the MACPASS app.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
Trump election victory 'very unlikely,' but 'possible': former FBI director Comey
Former FBI director James Comey says while he believes former U.S. president Donald Trump "will be defeated" in the upcoming presidential election, he doesn’t think it’s a given.
Two celestial shows will be visible across Canada this week
Canada is getting not one – but two – celestial shows over the next few days. Keep an eye on the sky for the northern lights and parade of planets!
WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection
A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
Hundreds of workers on strike at Gibraltar copper mine in British Columbia
More than 500 workers are on strike at the Gibraltar copper mine in central British Columbia, about 200 kilometres south of Prince George.