$75M for a 75-year boost: Halifax bridge to undergo major revamp

by arslan_ahmed | January 30, 2024 10:00 am

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The Macdonald Bridge in Halifax, N.S., is set for a $75 million transformation aimed at extending its lifespan by an anticipated 75 years.

According to a report by CBC[2], unlike past spot touch ups, this project will involve the removal of decades-old paint through sandblasting, revealing the bridge’s bare steel. The report states that Ahsan Chowdhury, the project’s chief engineer with Halifax Harbour Bridges, mentioned that the build-up of paint over the years has stopped protecting the steel, allowing water to seep into, and erode, the beams. The initiative includes steel repairs and the application of three new paint coats to the structure that first opened in 1955.

The report further explains that Halifax Harbour Bridges conducted a pilot project in 2017, learning valuable lessons for the upcoming endeavour. The design, managed by Canadian engineering firm Stantec, includes a meticulous analysis using computer models to identify potential issues and key replacement areas. Approximately half of the budget is allocated for steel replacement, with the rest covering paint and additional work on the towers, approaches, and spans.

As per the CBC report, the project—expected to begin in the fall—must follow strict environmental regulations, with the winning contractor responsible for capturing and safely disposing of old paint during the sandblasting process. Project completion is slated for 2027, with the goal of attracting a specialized American company to recoat the bridge.

Source URL: https://www.constructioncanada.net/75m-for-a-75-year-boost-halifax-bridge-to-undergo-major-revamp/

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