News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – Motorists were asked for their continued co-operation by Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams as he toured the Princess Margaret Bridge today. He was taking a first-hand look at how repairs are progressing on the structure.

The bridge re-opening has been delayed until mid-October due to weather-related issues.

"I appreciate that this has been a difficult summer for those travelling in Fredericton with the bridge being closed and street repairs going on around the city," said Williams. "However, the result will be better streets and a bridge that will serve residents for decades to come."

An above-average accumulation of rainfall this summer has delayed much of the work. This has included the forming and pouring of the deck joints, concrete barrier walls and expansion joints. Priming and painting the structural steel has also been challenging because periods of high humidity prohibit the application of paint.

One of the final activities to be completed before paving is the application of the waterproofing membrane. This process is also affected by precipitation. Delays in other activities, such as deck joints and expansion joints, will have a direct impact on the start of waterproofing.

This summer’s rainfall has raised the level of the St. John River and, as a result, delayed Stage One of pier repairs several times.

Ken Dean, project manager for SNC-Lavalin, said he is confident that the revised plans to reopen the bridge will be sufficient to take into account normal rainfall accumulations for September.

"We have work continuing around the clock to complete this important piece of infrastructure," Dean said. "The continued co-operation and understanding from the public have been great and are surely appreciated."

The completion of repairs by the City of Fredericton on MacLaren Avenue and Forest Hill Road is improving traffic flow. Motorists are asked, however, to continue using the alternatives that have been put in place, including flex time at work; taking vacation; walking, biking, carpooling or using transit; allowing extra time to complete errands; reducing or combining trips across the bridge; and/or trying alternate river crossings such as the Burton Bridge and Mactaquac Dam.

"I thank motorists for their patience during the summer as refurbishment work has continued on the Princess Margaret Bridge," said Coun. Bruce Grandy, chair of the City of Fredericton transportation committee. "The final push is underway to complete the project, and I hope residents will continue to take actions to reduce traffic congestion."

Park & Go locations around the city will remain open throughout the fall, so motorists can park their cars and walk, bike or take transit into the downtown. Bike racks will also continue to be in place throughout the downtown.

The free Park & Ride direct bus route from the Brookside Mall to downtown continues. The city's trail system continues to be a choice for commuters. Several new sections of trail were paved during the summer. Proper trail and bike etiquette is encouraged.

Details about these initiatives as well as maps and other information are online.

LINK:

●    Department of Transportation: www.gnb.ca/transportation