Department Investigates Timber Bridge Railings

The Department of Transportation and Public Works is conducting a review of timber bridges after a fatal motor vehicle crash at Halfway Cove, Guysborough Co., in January. Two people died after the vehicle they were in crashed through the bridge's wooden railing.

The department's preliminary investigation has found the bridge railing posts were not installed in accordance with normal practice, and is continuing its investigation. The bridge railing was installed in 2005.

"We deeply regret the events of the recent motor vehicle crash at Halfway Cove Bridge," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Angus MacIsaac. "The department will carry out more detailed inspections of timber bridges over the next few months to ensure railings are properly installed."

Emergency repairs have been completed at Halfway Cove Bridge, and have begun on 15 other structures with similar railing. Permanent repairs, where required, will be completed by late spring.

The department has about 2,000 timber bridges.