Bridge work planned ahead of larger closure
Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has washing projects scheduled over next week, ahead of five-week closure of key span linking Fredericton’s north, south sides
With a five-week closure of the Princess Margaret Bridge looming large over Fredericton, the province is having lesser work projects done in other spans in and around the capital in the days ahead.
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure announced recently that the Princess Margaret Bridge - a vital connection between the north and south sides of Fredericton - would be closed from May 10 to June 13 for a resurfacing and waterproofing project.
The major repair job is expected to cause significant traffic troubles in the city during that timeframe.
The province’s online 511 map tool, which displays road conditions and construction projects throughout New Brunswick, shows there will be some disruption to traffic on other bridges in the capital in the days ahead of the Princess Margaret closure.
Beginning on Wednesday, the Westmorland Street Bridge is undergoing washing in both directions, requiring motorists to travel at reduced speeds. That work is slated to be conducted Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.
The 511 map indicates that’ll be followed by inspection and maintenance work on the Westmorland bridge in both directions on Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day.
Again, the province advises reduced speed will be required during those periods.
Up next is another bridge-washing project, this time on the Nashwaak River Bridge #1 connecting Union Street and Riverside Drive on the city’s north side. That’s set to be done May 6 from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Motorists are advised for all those projects that caution is advised and to be aware of workers in the areas.
Of course, there’s continuing construction and repair work on the Bridge Street span in Marysville that’s been ongoing for a couple of years.
It’s reduced to one lane of traffic, with temporary lights at each end restricting access. The project - slated to continue until Oct. 1, according to the 511 map - has caused significant delays in the area for some time. With the Princess Margaret Bridge closure and the expectation that people will see alternate routes around the city, it’s likely the delays in Marysville will become more pronounced.
The Fredericton Independent can be reached at ftonindependent@gmail.com.
Saturday and Sunday May 4 and 5