New Bridge Helping Community Stay Connected

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--New Bridge Helping Community Stay Connected

A new bridge in Elmsdale, Hants Co., will mean better access to community events and increased safety for pedestrians.

A $2-million contract has just been awarded to build the new bridge, located on Trunk 2 between Elmsdale and Lantz. The bridge, which crosses Nine Mile River, will have improved sidewalk access for pedestrians, and as a result, safer access to community facilities located near the bridge.

"The Municipality of East Hants made specific requests for sidewalk improvements on the new bridge," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "We're pleased we were able to accommodate the community while continuing our commitment to improve the roads and bridges in the province."

The contract to build the new single-span bridge was awarded to Dexter Construction of Bedford. The new bridge will be in place by the end of September. It will replace an existing bridge that was built in the early 1930s. About 6,000 vehicles travel on the bridge every day.

In the fall of 2003, a temporary structure was put in place as a detour for motorists. The detour will continue to be used until the new bridge is complete.

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.