Province Awards $12.6-Million Contract for Sydney River Bridge Replacement

Strolling, riding, biking or hiking Cape Bretoners and visitors alike will soon enjoy a new bridge on Keltic Drive in Sydney River.

The province has awarded a $12,625,080 tender for the construction of the new Sydney River bridge to Caldwell and Ross Ltd. It will have two 3.5-metre driving lanes, two 1.5-metre shoulders and a four-metre-wide active transportation lane. Work to demolish and remove the existing bridge will begin in the next few weeks.

"We're making sure any inconvenience caused by this job is kept to a minimum," said Maurice Smith, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "Access to businesses on Keltic Drive is being maintained throughout the project, and a free shuttle service will be provided."

The shuttle bus will run from the Coxheath Arena to Walmart and will be wheelchair and bicycle accessible. For more details, visit http://novascotia.ca/tran/highways/srb.asp.

The province is also upgrading a marked detour route for regular bridge users, which will be less than five kilometres. People will be able to watch the work via webcam on the department website.

The new bridge is part of the province's 5-Year Highway Improvement Plan is to be finished by December 2014.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

Strolling, riding, biking, or hiking Cape Bretoners and visitors alike will soon be enjoying a new bridge on Keltic Drive in Sydney River.

The province has awarded a 12-point-six million dollar tender to Caldwell and Ross Limited for the new Sydney River bridge on Keltic Drive.

The province will provide a free wheelchair and bicycle accessible shuttle service during construction, which begins in the next few weeks.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Maurice Smith says access to businesses on Keltic Drive will be maintained throughout the project.

People will be able to follow the project via webcam on the department website.

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