Soley Factory Bridge To Be Replaced

The Soley Factory bridge near Debert, Colchester Co., will be rebuilt in the spring. Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, made the announcement today.

The 20-metre span collapsed last weekend as a department snowplow crossed the Debert River 10 kilometers west of Truro. The incident is still under investigation.

"This single-lane bridge is important to the residents who use it each day," said Mr. Russell. "We will build a new span in the spring to make sure this piece of infrastructure is there for the community."

The Department of Transportation and Public Works maintains 3,540 bridges across Nova Scotia. So far this fiscal year, the province has spent more than $13.5 million on capital and maintenance projects on its bridges. The work included bridge replacements and major repairs such as new truss joints, deck materials and structural steel improvements.

The department also has a year-round team of bridge inspectors who follow the highest standards set by the U.S. Federal Highways Administration bridge inspection protocol.

"I want to reassure all Nova Scotians that our bridges are safe. Yes, many of them are old by national standards, but most of them are designed to last 100 years. And when we find deficiencies that need prompt action, we take action," said Mr. Russell.