N.B. bridge repairs could run into 2012

SAINT JOHN – Repairs to a New Brunswick bridge likely won’t be completed until 2012, a year after it was scheduled to be done, but the reason for the delay is unclear.

The provincial government has refused to disclose the cause of work delays on the Harbour Bridge, nor could it say whether a third year of construction will affect traffic on the span.

The $35-million refurbishment project was launched in 2010, initially scheduled to end in 2011.

Despite the potential delay, Transportation Minister Claude Williams said in a written statement the project is not expected to cost any more than originally planned. Opposition Liberals, however, argue the work will likely be over budget, and that New Brunswickers will be stuck with the bill.

The statement by Williams allowed that if unexpected work is found during the rehabilitation of the bridge, it might involve additional costs.

The transportation department would not comment any further on the schedule until officials finalized timelines with the contractor.

The refurbishment project involves replacing everything on the bridge’s deck, including asphalt, sidewalk, outside walls, the median barrier and lighting.

The province took over the bridge and removed tolls on it this year.