More repairs slated for Princess Margaret bridge in 2016-17

Fredericton is about to undergo another in a long line of traffic headaches. The Princess Margaret bridge, which underwent a lengthy period of repairs stretched over two summers in 2010-2011, appears to be set for more work.

In an agenda tabled for a Fredericton city transit committee meeting, there is an item detailing an exemption to the city's noise by-law because of upcoming construction on that bridge.

The exemption is to last from August 15, 2016 to October 31, 2017. It is not yet known when during that time construction will actually take place.The document notes that there currently aren't any plans for the work on the bridge to be done at night.

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Work on the bridge is described in the document as "work associated with seismic rehabilitation and warranty repairs."

Sarah Bustard, spokesperson for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, declined a request for an interview, citing ongoing litigation relating to the 2010 repair tender.

However, in an e-mail, she wrote the "work is an upgrade to enhance the safety of the bridge in the event of a catastrophic seismic event."

The tender that is now being prepared for the new work on the bridge is described by Bustard as a "completion contract for work that began in 2010."

Work on the Princess Margaret, begun in 2010, was beset by delays.

In a previous story reported by CBC News, SNC-Lavalin, who won the original tender, said that repeated changes by the provincial government led to the delays. The company was fined $3 million by the province, but they have yet to pay. This is the litigation to which Bustard referred.

The exemption to the noise by-law was passed by city council, but there was indication some residents are unhappy about the renewed construction on the bridge.

"I have a few complaints from people who didn't realize that the bridge would be down to one lane. I think we have to work on the communication part of it," said Eric Megarity, councillor for Ward 6.