Traffic and Construction Updates
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Harbour Bridge Authority announces spring construction schedule
The Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority plans to continue work on their 10 year refurbishment plan starting on March 31st, 2008. Authority General Manager Ken Anthony said that this years’ work will involve replacing all expansion joints along the main span and ramps, as well as comprehensive refurbishment of the concrete beams and piers under the Bridge.
“Traffic disruptions will be minimal this year as we are going to be doing the work during off peak hours so we should not see any of the impact on traffic like last summer” stated authority Chairman Ron Hutton.
Following a detailed engineering inspection of the bridge in 2005 a number of repairs and improvements were recommended which led to the development of a 10-year refurbishment plan that includes repairs and upgrades to all the major structural components of the bridge. This work began in 2006 with the repair of structural steel under the Bridge and painting of all steel components, it spanned two summers and was completed in 2007.
General Manager Ken Anthony said that he gets many positive comments about the new color of the Bridge and many questions about when the light poles and railings will be painted to match the Harbour Blue color on the rest of the structure. Anthony stated that he would like to complete that portion this summer so that all of the structure would be the same color, however, all of the light standards and side railings have to be replaced and it makes sense from a cost point of view to do it when the concrete median walls and outside walls are replaced which will hopefully be in the next two years.
To facilitate this years’ construction effective March 30th until further notice, traffic will be reduced to one lane Eastbound from 6:00PM to 6:00AM Sunday to Thursday.
For further information:
Ken Anthony
General Manager
Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority
635-1320