The Macdonald Bridge is set for another weekend closure as work progresses on the removal of the toll plazas that have long been a feature of the two cross-harbour spans. This closure is part of an ongoing effort to dismantle the toll collection infrastructure following the decision to eliminate tolls, enabling free passage for vehicles across the bridges.

In the days since the toll removal, there have been reports of smooth traffic flow on the harbour bridges. Steven Proctor from the Halifax Harbour Bridges (HHB) reported to 95.7 NewsRadio that traffic has been moving well, with no significant accidents or notable increases in traffic volume observed on the bridges. This outcome is especially interesting, as there were concerns that ending the tolls would lead to a rise in the number of vehicles crossing the bridges.

The bridge commission has indicated a commitment to monitoring traffic levels closely, as it continues to assess the potential long-term impact of toll-free access on bridge usage. While an increase in traffic is anticipated with the removal of tolls, current data suggests that this change has not yet influenced the volume of vehicles using the bridges.

For the upcoming weekend, the Macdonald Bridge will be closed starting on Friday at 7 p.m. Proctor detailed that crews will be working on tear-down operations near the old toll locations and will be repaving the area as part of the maintenance work. Although the bridge is scheduled to remain closed until 5 a.m. on Monday, there is a possibility that the work may be completed ahead of schedule. If weather permits, the bridge could reopen as early as Sunday.

Looking forward, the focus will shift to the MacKay Bridge, where the removal of the toll plazas is set to begin next weekend. This upcoming closure will require commuters to plan accordingly, as the operational changes at the MacKay Bridge will also affect travel across the harbour.