A major bridge crossing was closed on Thursday in Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada after safety inspectors raised concerns over the foundation of a tower crane, on which a structural issue had been spotted during a routine inspection. The Macdonald Bridge, one of only two bridges between the two parts of the city, was shut down to vehicles and pedestrians just before the Thursday evening rush hour.
Officials from the Halifax Harbour Bridges authority (HHB) quickly arrived on the scene to join the investigation into the stability of the crane which had been working on a high rise building alongside the Dartmouth end of the bridge.
An official from the HHB said: “The bridge will remain closed until we are advised the situation is safe.”
“Three stop work orders have been issued: One for the crane, a second for taking the crane down once it is stabilised and a third for the evacuation and to make sure no work takes place on the site as well as two construction sites close by. Occupational Health and Safety officers are monitoring the situation, and communication with emergency services is ongoing.”
The stricken crane
After considering options it was decided that the failed foundation component could be rewelded, the crane, a Potain, was then subjected to a thorough inspection and test and was eventually cleared as being stable. The bridge was then reopened in time for the Friday morning rush hour. Construction on the site remains on stop while the contractor arranges for the crane to be replaced.
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