‘The whole thing is a nightmare’

Princess Margaret Bridge repairs pose significant challenges for businesses, organizations

Friday marks the first day of a five-week closure of the Princess Margaret Bridge, for those who earn their living and help others in proximity to the span know they’re facing some tough times ahead.

The provincial Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is closing the bridge - connecting the Lower St. Mary’s area on Fredericton’s north side to the Forest Hill area on the south - from May 10 to June 13 for an extensive resurfacing and waterproofing infrastructure project.

The work comes on the heels of a week-long reduction to one lane in mid-October to repave the bridge in preparation for this larger project, but that required another couple of days of unannounced disruptions Oct. 26 and 27 to fix some subpar aspects of that work.

Just after midnight on Friday morning, northside access to the Princess Margaret Bridge hadn’t been closed off yet, but gear to facilitate the five-week closure appeared to be at the ready. (Photo: Don MacPherson/The Fredericton Independent)

Laura Curtis Yerxa - who owns and operates Ritual Metaphysical, a crystal and gift shop on Riverside Drive - feels like she just can’t catch a break.