Cumberland County Bridge To Be Replaced

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Cumberland County Bridge To Be Replaced

A new bridge is being built this summer that will help strengthen the connection between two Cumberland County communities.

A tender has been called to replace the Furlong Bridge on Route 2 in Cumberland County. The bridge, which crosses the Macaan River, is located 200 metres east of the intersection with Route 302 near Southhampton.

"Trunk 2 is the major link between Parrsboro and Springhill," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "Replacing the Furlong Bridge will strengthen the important economic connection between these communities and make for safer travelling."

The new bridge will be constructed from concrete and will replace the existing timber bridge, which was built in the 1950s.

The tender closes Thursday, June 24 and work is expected to begin in July. The new bridge will be in place by Oct. 30.

A temporary two-lane panel bridge will be built as a detour for motorists 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 4,100 bridges and operates seven provincial ferries. Staff provide services from district offices in Bridgewater, Bedford, Truro and Sydney.