Transportation officials say “significant” delays can be expected along Harbour Bridge in Saint John beginning this week.
Phase 1 of a multi-year rehabilitation project on the bridge along Route 1 begins Monday and continues for the next four months.
Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on the bridge. Exit 121 to Chesley Drive will also be closed to eastbound traffic.
Mark Taylor, a spokesperson for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, said work will be taking place on the western end of the eastbound lanes this year.
“Eastbound traffic will be diverted to the westbound passing lane effectively reducing traffic to one lane each direction,” Taylor wrote in an email.
Taylor said work includes removing certain expansion joints and replacing them with link slabs “to eliminate the ongoing maintenance issues they create.”
Other work will involve repairing concrete beams, replacing concrete blocks, deck waterproofing application and new asphalt concrete.
“Asphalt and waterproofing are being done due to the rough nature of the existing surface as well as removal of certain areas is required for the rehabilitation work listed above,” said Taylor.
Construction is expected to continue until Oct. 15, so long as the weather cooperates with the work.
Taylor said westbound lane work on the western end of the structure is scheduled for 2022.
