CN Bridges Rehabilitation Project

Last updated: November 6, 2023

Project Background 

Since 2017, Canadian National Railway (CN) has completed rehabilitation and repairs on several cost-shared structures within the municipality, as listed below. Future plans for further rehabilitation work in partnership with the municipality are underway. This work includes:

  • Rehabilitation to the arch bridge structures (responsibility of CN)
  • Full replacement of the paved surface and sidewalk(s) at each location (responsibility of the municipality).

Jubilee Road

Work on Jubilee Road is expected to be completed in early December 2023. 

This work was delayed from the original project schedule due to weather-related impacts, including the two heavy rainfall and flooding events that occurred within the municipality during the construction period.

The work includes the rehabilitation of the arch bridge structure, as well as the full replacement of the paved surface, railing and the sidewalks, as well as water and sewer work by Halifax Water. The municipality continues to work closely with CN and Halifax Water to ensure proper planning and coordination.

The nature of the work requires that a small section of Jubilee Road be closed to all vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Access to the neighbourhood, including the St Mary’s Boat Club, is available from Quinpool Road via Prince Arthur Street. A detailed map of the closure and detours is available for download and is shown below. 

This page will continue to be updated as information becomes available.

An aerial map showing the Jubilee Road bridge closure, and detail routes for the work.

Common Questions 

Why does the CN bridge on Jubilee Road need to close entirely?

A full closure of the CN bridge is necessary to complete rehabilitation, repairs, and safety improvements to the aging infrastructure. The bridge cannot be open to traffic as the geometry of the structure does not lend itself to maintaining any traffic access while extensive work is being completed.

How will this affect emergency services in the area?

We have communicated the project details with first responders to ensure proper planning and coordination. Proper planning will allow emergency crews to access the same areas surrounding the bridge, as they will be directed to use the detour route.  

Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency uses a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system that regularly adapts to road closures, so there is no anticipated delay in service delivery. 

Some parking in the area will be restricted to allow for the passage of larger vehicles.  

How will this affect pedestrian traffic in the area? 

All pedestrian traffic will be required to use the pedestrian/cyclist detour. The detour route has a pedestrian sidewalk for the full length of the detour.

What will the construction hours be for this project?

The exact hours of construction will vary, however, the contractor is required to follow the municipality’s noise by-law. This means that all construction will take place within the hours of 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, within the hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.

How will I be informed of progress with the CN Bridges Rehabilitation Project?

Regular project updates will be posted to this web page. Information regarding the impact on traffic, including detour routes, will be posted here. Also, you can follow @hfxgov on Twitter for ongoing updates.

Is a new, separate utility bridge to carry the water or sewer mains over the railway planned as part of this project?

The water and sewer mains are being replaced as part of this work. A temporary sewer bypass is needed during construction which will be supported on a separate utility bridge. This bridge will be removed once the new sewer main is installed within the roadway.

Completed CN Bridge Rehabilitation projects

South Street

The work for the South Street bridge rehabilitation was completed in September 2021 and the road has now reopened to traffic.  

Coburg Road

The work for the Coburg Road bridge rehabilitation was completed in December 2020 and the road has now reopened to traffic.

Belmont on the Arm & Marlborough Woods 

The work for the Belmont on the Arm & Marlborough Woods bridge rehabilitation was completed in June 2020, and the road has now reopened to traffic.

Quinpool Road

The work for the Quinpool Road bridge rehabilitation was completed on July 29, 2019 and the road has now reopened to traffic.