Bridge repairs prompt flexible work hours

The provincial government will allow some of its employees in Fredericton to adjust their work hours this summer during repairs to the Princess Margaret Bridge.

The bridge, which sees an average of 20,000 vehicles each day, will be closed for nearly two months, starting in June.

Traffic will be re-routed to the Westmorland Street Bridge, which already handles about 50,000 vehicles daily.

'We're encouraging other businesses, the city, whoever involved that have employees who use the bridge to consider using flex time as well.' —Human Resources Minister Rick Brewer

To ease traffic jams during morning and evening rush hours, some civil servants will be able to start and finish work earlier, or later in the day, said Human Resources Minister Rick Brewer.

"As a government, we would like to lead by example," he said.

Other employers may follow lead

"We're encouraging other businesses, the city, whoever involved that have employees who use the bridge to consider using flex time as well. Because having flexibility in your schedule will help the employees, and that's what we're trying to do here. And to alleviate any traffic congestion."

Brewer said other options include taking vacation while the bridge is closed, working from home and using alternate transportation, such as walking, biking, buses or carpooling.

The city of Fredericton has already said it will consider flex time for its employees living on the city's north side.

Meanwhile, city staff are busy preparing for the bridge closure, figuring out how to deal with police, fire and ambulance calls, said transportation committee chair Tony Whalen

"Along the lines of traffic signals and things like that to help move traffic better and allow for the passing of emergency vehicles," he said.

The bridge is scheduled to be shut down from June 19 to Aug. 8.

The $78-million project will include: removal and replacement of the bridge deck and floor beams, replacement of the bridge guardrail, expansion joint assemblies, concrete removal, capping of bridge piers and abutments, painting and upgrading of structural steel work.

The 1,098-metre Princess Margaret Bridge, which crosses the St. John River, is about 52 years old.