Dartmouth Pedestrian Bridge Remains Closed Indefinitely After Crash
A pedestrian bridge over Highway 111 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, remains closed with no estimated reopening date following damage from a motor vehicle crash on August 22. The Nova Scotia Department of Public Works has hired an engineer to assess the steel structure, while local residents and politicians express concern over safety and the lack of a timeline.
The pedestrian bridge spanning Highway 111 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, remains closed indefinitely after sustaining damage during a motor vehicle crash on Aug. 22. As of now, there is no estimated re-opening date for the crossing.
The bridge falls under the jurisdiction of the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works rather than the Halifax Regional Municipality. According to the department, the steel structure leading to the stairway was damaged in the incident. In response, the Department of Public Works has hired a consulting engineer to assess the extent of the damage and determine potential repair options.
The prolonged closure has drawn criticism from local residents and politicians. NDP Leader Claudia Chender stated that the bridge was already in disrepair prior to the accident and has been advocating for its complete replacement rather than simple repairs. Residents have taken to social media to voice frustration regarding the lack of a clear timeline and ongoing safety concerns.
With the bridge out of service, pedestrians and cyclists are forced to use alternative routes through busy intersections and parking lots, including areas near the Valleyfield neighbourhood and Tacoma Centre. Community members who rely on the bridge for work and school face significant inconvenience, while parents have raised specific safety worries about children accessing sports facilities without the direct crossing.