Complex utility work preceding bridge build, says Kentville CAO
There’s a significant amount of utility and site preparation work to be done before Kentville residents start to see a new bridge taking shape.
Town of Kentville chief administrative officer Mark Phillips recently informed town council that some complex work is required from Nova Scotia Power and Aliant before the new bridge can be built. The structure will be located to the east of the existing bridge, and the project calls for the relocation of some telecommunication lines and electric utility infrastructure.
“The scheduled work for Nova Scotia Power and Aliant will not be completed until as late as the end of October… those two companies can’t work there at the same time,” said Phillips, in sharing a public works report at the town’s council advisory committee meeting April 9.
“Aliant has a potential 80 working day schedule for their work.”
Dexter Construction was awarded the contract for the multi-million dollar bridge replacement project spearheaded by the provincial Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.
It is not yet known when Dexter can start installing the new bridge, but Phillips said the company hopes to be able to do some work in the fall.
It is anticipated the corresponding canoe launch project by the river will be delayed until the 2019-2020 fiscal year, Phillips added.
The provincial government first hosted a funding announcement for the ongoing bridge replacement project in March 2015. At the time, it was believed the new bridge could be in place the following year.
According to Kentville’s website, the existing steel bridge was originally dubbed the Silver Link when it opened for use in October 1931.