East River Bridge Construction On Schedule

Construction of a new East River Bridge in Sheet Harbour is on budget and on schedule to open in 2015.

Speaking at a community meeting on behalf of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Geoff MacLellan, Lloyd Hines, MLA for Guysborough-Eastern Shore-Tracadie, said the $19-million project is progressing smoothly.

"The new bridge will have no overhead obstructions and will carry all modern highway loads," said Mr. Hines. "And, because we're able to keep the old bridge open during construction, we're protecting the workers on the job while reducing the negative impact of construction for area residents."

Dexter Construction was awarded a $17.3-million contract through public tender. Associated costs will bring the total to about $19-million. The federal government is providing up to $7.2-million toward the total cost through the Major Infrastructure Component of its Build Canada Fund.

Government commits capital spending for equipment, roads, schools, buildings and other important public infrastructure each year. The bridge and other projects will be in the 2015-16 capital plan.

The public can follow the progress of the East River Bridge project at http://novascotia.ca/tran/highways/eastrb.asp and a web camera will be operational in early 2015.