New Bridge on the Cabot Trail
Transportation and Public Works Minister Ron Russell has announced a two-year, $10-million construction project to replace the Margaree Harbour bridge that connects Margaree Harbour to Belle Cote, Inverness Co., and the Cabot Trail.
It's the first major highway improvement project to be announced under the department's 2002-03 capital roads budget of $85.5 million -- an increase of $32 million over last year.
"This is a significant and much-needed upgrade on the Cabot Trail that will have many positive benefits for the community, and for all of Cape Breton," said Mr. Russell. "By making key investments such as this, we're beginning to address the province's $3.4- billion problem with highways and bridges in Nova Scotia. We'll tackle it as best we can this year, knowing full well it's just a start."
Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald, on behalf of Mr. Russell, officially announced the government's decision at a community meeting in Belle Cote, where he unveiled engineering drawings of three potential designs that will be included in the tender package.
"Ten million dollars is a significant investment and it shows our government's commitment to support tourism and the economy of Cape Breton," said Mr. MacDonald. "We knew that a bridge replacement was a priority. We're relieved that we now have the green light. I want to thank local residents for being so patient as we sought funding for this important project."
The new structure will replace a 42-year-old bridge over Margaree Harbour that is supported by timber piles and is reaching the end of its useful life. Bridge engineers have recommended that it would be more cost-effective to build a new steel or concrete structure than to keep making costly short-term repairs to the old wooden bridge.
The Department of Transportation and Public Works hired CBCL Limited to undertake the preliminary design and submit the regulatory applications that are required to complete the project. The project is expected to go to tender later this month and should be awarded by June 2002.
Construction of the cofferdams (to keep water away from the site) and the remainder of the substructure will begin this summer. Work on the superstructure will begin next spring and the bridge is expected to be completed by December 2003. The existing bridge will remain open during construction.