Fairview Overpass Restrictions Reinforced

An unused lane of the Fairview overpass in the Halifax Regional Municipality is being blocked with concrete barriers to prevent vehicles from driving on that section. The lane closure is now designated with painted lines only.

A recent inspection showed that concrete under the lane is deteriorating. The entire structure is scheduled to be replaced in 2009, with the work expected to begin in the late spring. Bi-weekly inspections will be conducted until the replacement work begins. The replacement is expected to cost $5 million and was announced in January 2009.

"This is an important investment in the long-term maintenance of this vital transportation link into downtown Halifax," said Brooke Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

The Fairview overpass is the only structure in the province with a design similar to a bridge that collapsed in Quebec in 2006. Following the Quebec incident the province hired a consultant to conduct a detailed inspection. The inspection identified significant work that would be needed in the next three to five years, leading to the decision to replace the entire structure.

The overpass replacement is expected to take about six months. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal is now working with HRM on a plan to manage traffic that will need to be rerouted during the replacement.