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Weight Restrictions Placed on

Five Rail Cut Bridges

Upon advice from CN, Halifax Regional Municipality will implement regulations restricting the maximum vehicle weights permitted on five bridges over the rail cut in the South End of Halifax. CN provided this advice following an in-depth analysis of the condition of the nearly 100-year-old bridges.

The bridges include: Marlborough Woods, Belmont-on-the-Arm, Oakland Road, South Street and Coburg Road. These restrictions, similar to those placed on the Quinpool Road bridge in July, will be in effect from Oct. 29, 2009 until further notice.

Constructed between 1915 and 1917, engineering assessments received by CN show the bridges are experiencing the effects of age, heavy road traffic flow and weight. As such, steps must be taken to limit the size and weight of vehicles that cross over these structures until plans are in place for their restoration or replacement.

As the road authority, HRM is implementing the restrictions included below, as recommended by CN. The maximum vehicle weights permitted are:

• Maximum Single Unit weight of 20 tonnes; no tolerances.
• Maximum Two-Unit weight of 34 tonnes; no tolerances.
• Maximum Vehicle Train weight of 49 tonnes; no tolerances.

For the purposes of these restrictions, the following Definitions from the Candian Highway Bridge Design Code apply:

1. "Single Unit" means trucks, buses, cars, and other vehicles consisting of a single unit.

2. "Two-Unit" means tractor-semitrailers, car-trailers, truck-trailers, and other vehicles consisting of two units.

3. "Vehicle Train" means tractor-trailer-trailer, tractor-semitrailer-trailer, tractor-semitrailer-semitrailer, and other vehicles consisting of three units.

In addition, each of the bridges will be fitted with protective barriers to safeguard the concrete side walls from possible vehicle impacts. Work to install these protective measures will begin immediately on the following schedule:

• Marlborough Woods - Install steel guardrail and fill depressions in the asphalt roadway;
• Belmont-on-the-Arm - Stabilize the railings and fill depressions in the asphalt roadway;
• Oakland Road - Install steel guardrail and fill depressions in the asphalt roadway;
• South Street - Install jersey barriers and fill depressions in the asphalt raodway;
• Coburg Road - Stabilize the northwest wingwall, install jersey barriers and fill depressions in the asphalt roadway.

While more analysis is needed before decisions can be made about the future of the bridges, CN and HRM are working together on the interm measures to protect public safety. CN is committed to a rigorous inspection schedule on all of the bridges over the rail cut.

The public will be informed of any further work or action required on these bridges once decisions are made.

FAIRVIEW OVERPASS CONSTRUCTION

A tender to replace the older section of the Fairview overpass has
been awarded to Dexter Construction Ltd. Construction has begun.

While up to three lanes will stay open to drivers during construction,
delays can be expected, particularly during peak hours. Drivers may
want to consider alternate routes or travel times during the construction period. There will not be a reversing lane, the plan is to have one lane inbound and two lanes outbound at all times.

"Replacing the older section of Fairview overpass will ensure that it
remains safe for drivers in Halifax," said Bill Estabrooks, Minister
of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "We appreciate people’s patience while we move forward on this very important project."

The tender calls for the demolition of the south side of the overpass
and construction of the replacement structure. Construction is
expected to be completed this winter.

Traffic advisories and advertisements will be issued to inform people
of the project. More information can be found on the Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Department’s website.

"Beat the Traffic" Suggestions

1. Take Metro Transit (help to reduce the volume of cars using the overpass)

2. Car Pool - Sign-up to find a match at www.hrmsmarttrip.ca.

3. If possible, travel in "off peak" times - a bit earlier or a bit later

4. Work from home

5. Seek alternate routes

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The new section of the Fairview overpass will include a 3 metre-wide sidewalk to accommodate active transportation.

QUINPOOL CN BRIDGE WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

Upon advice from CN - Eastern Region, Halifax Regional Municipality is placing weight restrictions on the CN bridge near the base of Quinpool Road.  Constructed in 1916, the bridge is showing the effects of age, heavy traffic flow and weight.  As such, steps must be taken to limit the size and weight of vehicles that cross over it until such time as structural improvements can be made or the bridge can be replaced.  As the road authority, HRM is implementing the restrictions, as recommended by CN, effective Friday, July 17.

In addition, concrete Jersey barriers will be placed on both sides of the bridge.  While CN has informed HRM there is no indication of bridge failure, the barriers will protect the concrete parapets along the sides of the bridge from potential vehicle impacts.

     These restrictions will be in effect from:

     July 17, 2009 until further notice

The maximum vehicle weight permitted is as follows:
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT
OF 34,000 kg
ON THE BRIDGE.
NO TOLERANCES.