Province Planning for Future of A. Murray MacKay Bridge --------------------------------------------------------- The Province is exploring options for the future of the A. Murray MacKay Bridge.
A request for proposals was issued today, July 10, for a consultant to evaluate viable long-term transportation options across the Halifax Harbour narrows. “The MacKay is a critical transportation link for Nova Scotia, handling a significant share of commuter and commercial traffic across the Halifax Harbour,” said Public Works Minister Fred Tilley. “We have a responsibility to get this right so future generations have a safe, reliable and efficient harbour crossing that supports economic growth, mobility and quality of life throughout our region.” The requested business case will: - complete an overview of the background, context and current state of the bridge - provide possible crossing options - outline preliminary design for preferred crossing option - identify cost estimates, procurement options and funding strategies. The aim is to provide a comprehensive and detailed analysis of options to guide future decision making and potential implementation of a preferred option. The analysis will include financial feasibility, constructability, environmental impact, and social and cultural implications, as well as regulatory requirements, traffic flow, anticipated traffic disruptions and transit considerations. Quotes: “Acting now to develop a business case will ensure that we have the insights required to make a decisive, future-oriented choice that advances economic opportunity and improves connectivity for the next generation of Nova Scotia businesses and travellers.” — Tony Wright, CEO, Halifax Harbour Bridges Quick Facts: - the MacKay bridge is the only crossing that allows commercial traffic - 65,000 vehicles cross the MacKay bridge daily and, combined with the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge, it supports more than $120 million in economic activity annually - the procurement process and business case development will be overseen by a steering committee including staff from Halifax Harbour Bridges, Link Nova Scotia, the Halifax Regional Municipality and the Department of Public Works - exploring options for the future of the MacKay bridge is recommended in the Regional Transportation Plan under Action 1.2.1. and is included in the government’s response to the plan - the business case is connected to the peninsula core streets review and the passenger rail feasibility study, both underway Additional Resources: Request for proposals package: https://procurement-portal.novascotia.ca/tenders/R2026-BRegional Transportation Plan and government response: https://linknovascotia.ca/regional-transportation-plan/
Regional Transportation Plan and government response: https://linknovascotia.ca/regional-transportation-plan/ Link Nova Scotia: - website: https://linknovascotia.ca - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/link.novascotia - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/link.novascotia Department of Public Works on X: https://x.com/NS_PublicWorks Halifax Harbour Bridges: - website: https://halifaxharbourbridges.ca/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HHBridges - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hfxharbourbridges/ -
