New Indian Sluice Bridge Construction Moving Forward

A new concrete two-lane bridge on Route 308 in Yarmouth County will provide a better link for residents of Morris Island and Surette's Island. The province is issuing a tender for the construction on Friday, Sept. 21.

The department worked with designers and the community to develop the design of the new Indian Sluice Bridge, also known as Surette's Island Bridge, to replace the 100-year-old, single-lane truss bridge.

"Although the current bridge is regularly repaired and maintained, it is time to replace it," said Maurice Smith, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "The work will begin this year rather than next, with a completion date set for June 2014."

The tender closes in October; construction will begin after the contract is awarded.

Bridge construction is estimated to cost $12 million to $15 million and includes in-filling for the approaches, installation of abutments, piers, girders, deck and railing, waterproofing and paving.

Replacing the bridge is part of government's 5-Year Highway Improvement Plan and the jobsHere economic development plan. The plans create jobs and improve highway infrastructure for residents, visitors, businesses and industries. The plan is available at www.gov.ns.ca/tran .