Firm Chosen, Margaree Harbour Bridge

The communities of Margaree Harbour and Belle Cote, Inverness Co., are a step closer to their new bridge. Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works announced today, June 17, that Dexter Construction Co. Ltd. of Halifax is the successful bidder for the contract.

"This is one of the most significant construction projects in our capital program and will take two years to complete," said Mr. Russell. "It's the kind of investment that supports the Cape Breton region, in particular, the tourism industry on the western half of the island."

The $9.6-million bid by Dexter covers the design and construction of a 270-metre steel bridge with five spans. The new structure will connect Margaree Harbour to Belle Cote and the Cabot Trail.

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. The bridge is expected to be completed by December 2003. The existing wooden bridge will remain open during construction.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works' Highways Division manages more than 23,000 kilometres of roads in Nova Scotia. The department maintains an inventory of 3,800 bridges and operates seven provincial ferries. Four district offices are located in Bridgewater, Bedford, Truro and Sydney