$1.4-million bridge repairs to be carried out in Blackville

BLACKVILLE (GNB) – Southwest Miramichi Bridge No. 2, located on Route 118 in Blackville, will undergo $1.4 million in repairs during the next two years.

Photo: Southwest Miramichi MLA Jake Stewart with Blackville Mayor Matthew Sturgeon

Southwest Miramichi MLA Jake Stewart with Blackville Mayor Matthew Sturgeon”The work involves full-deck rehabilitation on most of the structure,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Claude Williams. “Phase One will begin in early July and will continue into the fall. The project will be completed during the 2014 summer construction season.”

Repairs will consist of placing permanent and temporary bracing on the steel box girders; replacing the concrete deck and expansion joints; and removing granite curbing and replacing it with new concrete along the sidewalks on both sides of the bridge. The contract was awarded to Vail Civil Contractors Ltd. of Fredericton.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane throughout construction, with some full bridge closures lasting 48 hours during concrete placement. A detour will be established for the full closures. Signs and traffic lights will be installed. With the exception of school buses, truck traffic will not be permitted during construction.

The detour will be about 30 kilometres, directing motorists north on Route 8 to Renous and then east (at Exit 139) to Route 108 toward Quarryville Road Crossing and Southwest Miramichi Bridge No. 1; then south on Route 118 to White Rapids/Grey Rapids and Campbell Road.

“Motorists are advised to drive with due care and attention on the detour due to the additional traffic on secondary roads,” Williams noted.

Built in 1972, Southwest Miramichi Bridge No. 2 is 154 metres (512 feet) long.

In addition to the bridge work, a $500,000-contract has been awarded to Springhill Construction Ltd. of Fredericton to pave 1.4 kilometres of Route 8 in Blackville from Hillcrest Avenue to Barnettville Road. The new section includes a paved shoulder along each side of the highway.

In 2011-12, the provincial government invested $1.2 million in other improvements to Route 8.
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Traffic Advisory / Road Construction Report

Please be advised that Southwest Miramichi River Bridge #2, 150 m east of Route 8 intersection in the Village of Blackville is undergoing bridge repairs between the dates of June 24, 2013 and October 31, 2013. During this time, the bridge will be:

• reduced to one lane;
• closed to trucks;
• closed to all truck traffic with the exception of school buses and emergency vehicles;
• may be closed for 48 hour intervals (updates available at link below)

Please drive safely, and reduce speed in construction zones.

View updated report at http://www1.gnb.ca/cnb/transportation/display-e.asp?ID=3500