Work for the Big Lift project on the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge in Halifax will resume Tuesday evening.
The re-decking project was temporarily suspended as engineers and bridge managers tried to sort out what caused last week’s big delay on Monday and Friday.
Halifax Harbour Bridges CEO and general manager Steve Snider says the decision to resume work Tuesday evening came after getting details and answers from the contractor.
“We have closings five nights a week, and then the weekend closures,” he explains. “But we have not decided yet on next weekend’s closure.”
Some motorists say, while the project is an obvious inconvenience for them, they’re satisfied with the progress that’s been made.
“I think it’s fascinating,” says one driver. “I feel bad for the guy who’s in charge because he’s got a lot of pressure on him.”
“I think that two years is a long time,” adds another. “It was supposed to be they could do one every weekend, but two years is going to take a long time to make this bridge usable.”
But one area councillor says she’s been getting a flood of calls from residents wondering why more ferries aren’t running.
Gloria McCluskey says she’s questioning the wisdom of performing the work during the work week.
“I know of one man who had to take a day’s vacation,” says the Dartmouth councillor. “By the time he got to work, there was no sense going.”
Meanwhile, Snider says an update on the status of the planned closure for this coming weekend will be provided by Wednesday.
He says the decision will only be made once the bridge commission is satisfied that the proper measures have been taken by the contractor to ensure the bridge would reopen in time for motorists on Nov. 2.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Bruce Frisko
