White Rock Bridge Replacement

Residents of White Rock, Kings Co., are going to receive a new concrete bridge.

Design work is nearing completion and the Department of Transportation and Public Works is seeking the required regulatory approvals to begin construction. The department expects to have the necessary permits by January 2004. The tender will be issued soon, with a completion date set for July 31, 2004.

"The new bridge for White Rock is important to the community and surrounding area," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "The province is helping to build a better transportation network in Kings County."

Drivers are currently using a single-lane panel bridge to cross the Gaspereau River. The temporary bridge was installed in July after engineers determined the old timber structure on Deep Hollow Road needed replacement.

White Rock Bridge is located about four kilometres southeast of New Minas. Approaches to the bridge will be paved next week, in preparation for the finished structure being built.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works highways division manages more than 23,000 kilometres of roads in Nova Scotia. It maintains an inventory of 3,800 bridges and operates seven provincial ferries. Staff provide services from district offices located in Bridgewater, Bedford, Truro and Sydney.