Remember those construction headaches from last summer along Harbour Bridge in Saint John?
They are back again this year as a $26-million rehabilitation project continues on the busy bridge along Route 1.
As of Tuesday, April 5, the westbound lanes will be closed until Oct. 31, weather permitting.
Traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction, as westbound vehicles are diverted into the eastbound passing lane.
Mark Taylor, communications director for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, said the end result will be worth it.
“We’ll be replacing many of the expansion joints with link slabs and basically resurfacing the road with an enhanced waterproofing membrane,” said Taylor.
“When it’s done, you’ll notice the same type of smooth ride that you’ve noticed on the work that we did this past year.”
Last year, the eastbound lanes were closed for several months as crews did similar work on that side of the bridge.
This year’s work will also include installing new jacking diaphragms on the westbound lanes, repairing and strengthening prestressed concrete beams, and replacing bearings and bearing blocks.
It is all part of a six-year, $26.4-million rehabilitation project which is expected to continue through 2026.
Since announcing this year’s work, many people have questioned why construction is not taking place at night.
Taylor said there are a number of things to be considered when doing work overnight, such as local noise bylaws.
“Nothing’s off the table, obviously, as far as the project is concerned, so it’s something that could be explored at some point,” he said.
“But we want to be respectful of the community we’re working in, and that’s why we’re cognizant of local bylaws and any impact the work that we do may have on the community that we work in.”
Taylor said you should plan your travel accordingly over the coming months, give yourself extra time, and reduce your speed through the construction zone.
“It will take a little bit of patience, but the patience will pay off, for sure.”
More details about the project can be found on the department’s website by clicking here.
Meanwhile, the eastbound and westbound lanes of Route 1 will be reduced to a single lane of traffic just west of Harbour Bridge.
Gateway Operations said work will be taking place on the Lancaster Avenue and Riverview Drive structures.
The lane reductions are expected to be in place throughout the construction season, said officials.
