Emergency repairs mean weekend delays on MacKay Bridge; long-term plan includes $1B replacement
Global News
Lane closures are in effect for both Halifax Harbour Bridges, but officials hope all lanes of the MacKay Bridge will be driveable Saturday morning.
At least 60,000 vehicles cross the A. Murray MacKay Bridge in Halifax daily.
The heavy traffic, coupled with being more than 52 years old, means maintenance is often needed.
In this case, urgent asphalt repairs are starting Friday night.
“The emergency work on the MacKay was required because it’s in a significant situation, particularly when it gets hotter and the asphalt gets softer,” says Steve Proctor, communications manager for Halifax Harbour Bridges (HHB).
Two lanes will be closed to accommodate the asphalt repairs. Crews will work overnight to try to alleviate the traffic impact at busier times.
“They may be actually done by sunrise (Saturday),” Proctor says.
But there’s a sense of urgency to get it done quickly because there’s also a lane closure on the older, but more recently-renovated Angus L. Macdonald Bridge.