CN Rail wins court case over Halifax bridge bills

CN Rail has prevailed in Halifax's battle over the bridges.

The railway and Halifax Regional Municipality have been arguing for years over cost sharing for repairs on several 97-year-old bridges. The bridges are structurally sound, but need improvements.

Now a Nova Scotia Supreme Court ruling has settled the dispute, siding with CN Rail’s interpretation of a 2008 agreement.

“This gives the parties an opportunity to move forward,” said Martin Ward, a lawyer representing HRM.

The court found HRM is responsible for the pavement and sub-surface down to the arch. It’s also responsible for coordinating the relocation of utility lines.

The city can appeal the ruling, but Ward said that is unlikely.

“One of the options is to proceed with CN and go ahead with the repair.”

There’s no word on when the repairs will begin, or how much they will cost the city.

“With this ruling, the way is open to resolving the issue and do the work needed to keep the bridges in safe operation condition over the long term,” said Jim Feeny of CN public affairs.

In 2009, weight restrictions were imposed on six of the bridges.