Bridge to close for 5 weeks, could cost at least another $2.57M to fix

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The fix for the repaving job on the Princess Margaret Bridge is expected to close the main route over the St. John River for five weeks this spring and cost at least $1.24 million more than originally planned.

Department of Transportation (DTI) spokesperson Tyler McLean said the work is necessary “to prevent further deterioration of the bridge surface, which could lead to more significant repairs and costs.”

It comes after the bridge was fully reopened last fall following repairs that left visible dips on the bridge caused by the expansion joints not being on the same level as the newly tarred surface.

The dips caused drivers to slow down well below the posted 70-km/h speed limit, impacted rush-hour commutes, and led to concerns from motorists about damage to vehicles.

After the initial round of work, crews were back at it in late October, attempting to fix the dips.

At that time, Transportation Minister Richard Ames shrugged off questions from the Liberals about the repair work, saying “everything’s great.” He later admitted the work wasn’t finished and said the province would “complete the job” sometime this year.

Ames didn’t take questions from reporters at the legislature Tuesday and did not return calls for comment.

McLean said the tender period for the bridge contract closed Monday. Four bids were received, with the lowest coming from Horseshoe Hill Construction at $2.57 million. The others were $2.77 million from Dexter Construction, $3.31 million from Atlantic Underground Services, and Redem Contracting at $5.85 million.

All bids are well above the engineer’s estimate for this year’s work, which, according to the province’s online procurement database, was $1.51-million.

McLean said DTI is now evaluating the bids. He said the work will start in May with a targeted completion date by mid-June.

“DTI continues to work closely with the City of Fredericton in preparation of this project as the city has projects planned for this summer on nearby connections to the bridge,” McLean said in an emailed statement.

“The city has agreed to postpone the start of its nearby work until the bridge can reopen. DTI has also been working with local emergency response teams and area school districts to ensure they are aware and can plan accordingly.”