FREDERICTON (CNB) – Due to the wet summer weather, Fredericton's Princess Margaret Bridge will now be reopening in mid-October.

"The primary causes for the delay is the weather and issues arising from the repairs," said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams. "The wet summer has made it impossible to sandblast and paint metal components of the bridge in a timely manner or to put down waterproofing membrane on the deck."
 
Residents are encouraged to continue to use all traffic mitigation initiatives that have been put in place for the summer closure. The provincial government will continue to offer flex time to employees to ease the strain of this delay and the City of Fredericton will continue to offer its Park and Go sites as well as the Park and Ride direct shuttle from the Brookside Mall into the downtown.
 
"From our own experience with construction projects, the city fully appreciates the challenges and delays being faced by the Princess Margaret Bridge rehabilitation project," said Coun. Bruce Grandy, chair of Fredericton’s Transportation Committee. "September is a busy month in the city, but hopefully the public will be understanding and continue to adjust their driving habits accordingly. This is an important piece of transportation infrastructure for our city."
 
Discussions will be held with School Districts 18 and 1 about the impact the extended closure will have on school buses transporting students.


18-08-11