Tender Awarded to Replace Furlong Bridge, Cumberland County

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Tender Awarded to Replace Furlong Bridge, Cumberland County

Work is proceeding on schedule as the province replaces a bridge that provides vital links between communities in Cumberland County.

A $1.6-million contract has recently been awarded to replace the Furlong Bridge on Route 2 near Southampton.

"The Furlong Bridge is an integral part of the road link between Parrsboro and Springhill," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "Building a stronger bridge will help make for a safer trip. It's a sound investment in Cumberland County and will benefit residents, tourists and truckers."

The contract was awarded to Leslie and Benn Piledriving and Const. Ltd. Work is expected to be completed by Oct. 30.

The original timber bridge was built in the 1950s and will be replaced by a concrete structure.

The new bridge will be built on the same location as the existing structure. Motorists will be detoured across a panel bridge to be installed next to the existing bridge.

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.