Sydney, N.S. — One of the Cape Breton Regional Municiplality’s busiest connector roads is slated to be closed for up to six weeks.
The 700-metre long viaduct that connects Whitney Pier to the rest of Sydney will be getting a smoother surface starting Monday when work crews begin repairs on the 60-year-old roadway infrastructure.
According to an email from Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, work on the viaduct’s two aging bridges is expected to be completed by the end of October.
“During the course of the project, two bridges will be repaired on Victoria Road, the larger bridge (closer to Whitney Pier) will see asphalt and waterproofing removed, then replaced. The smaller bridge (closer to Sydney) will also see the asphalt and waterproofing removed and replaced, along with the replacement of three expansion plug joints,” wrote transportation communications officer Megan Tonet in response to a Cape Breton Post request for confirmation about the upcoming overpass closure.
Further details about the job have yet to be released, but a visit to the Nova Scotia government’s procurement website earlier this month showed that at least four companies expressed interest in the project with bids ranging from $671,000-$991,000.
Cape Breton Regional Municipality Dist. 12 Coun. Jim MacLeod has long championed the cause to replace the overpass. However, the veteran area representative said the immediate repairs are much-needed will have to do for the time being.
“Yes, I’m pleased it’s being done — it’s one more thing off my list before I’m done,” said the 80-year-old MacLeod, who has announced he is stepping down after some four decades in local politics and will not be seeking re-election in the Oct. 17 municipal vote.
The work will mean detours for the many motorists who use the rolling and winding viaduct that bisects the lands of the former Sydney steel plant.
But the detour recommended by the CBRM on Friday does not include the so-called “Road to Nowhere”, which is an alternative route between the two parts of Sydney. However, the as yet un-named road, which runs across the grounds of the former coke ovens east of the overpass, is expected to soon open. Work crews were busy all last week at the junction of where the road intersects with SPAR at the Lingan Road traffic lights.
Instead, the detour means motorists driving to Whitney Pier from the Ashby area of Sydney will have to turn left off Victoria Road before the overpass, follow Cape Breton Street until taking a right turn at Inglis Street/Stable Drive, a right onto Ferry Street, which then becomes Sydney Port Access Road before taking a final left onto Lingan Road. Traffic headed in the other direction is to follow the same route.
On the Whitney Pier side, Victoria Road will be closed at Laurier Street and Sydney-bound traffic is asked to follow the preferred detour route down Henry Street to Lingan Road.
Motorists will still be able to access homes and businesses located on or off Victoria Road between Henry Street and the overpass.
Source: https://www.capebretonpost.com/news/local/whitney-pier-overpass-closing-for-six-weeks-499441/