Repairs ordered amid fears about crumbling bridge
Province says bridge over East River is safe, but drivers unconvinced
Emergency repairs have been ordered to a large suspension bridge on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore after large chunks of concrete fell off.
The 50-year-old bridge over the East River outside Sheet Harbour has rusty railings, a crumbling deck and disintegrating concrete. It shakes and shudders every time a truck drives over it.
Some drivers say they are scared to use it, while others say it is simply not safe.
A school bus driver told CBC News that one time, a driver in front of him stopped topick up pieces of concrete that had fallen.
After that happened, a government inspector was sent out and ordered the bridge be repaired.
But the Department of Transportation and Public Works says residents don't need to worry about the structure.
"It needs some repairs in some areas, but it's a bridge that is safe," said Dan Davis, a department spokesman. "We will be out repairing it next week."
Even so, a more detailed inspection has been ordered and the department promises a major overhaul sometime in the next three years.
According to the department's website, staff visually inspect bridges every year and a major inspection is conducted every two to five years.