Decades worth of paint to be stripped off Macdonald Bridge towers

Halifax Harbour Bridges is gearing up to embark on a massive project that involves removing seven decades worth of paint from the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge’s two towers. This project, known as Project LifeSpan, is set to span over the course of two years and aims to protect the steel infrastructure of the bridge for the next 70 years.

The process of stripping the towers of their accumulated paint will allow for thorough inspections and any necessary repairs to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge. To prevent any paint chips, spray, or debris from falling into the harbor or onto the bridge and nearby properties, the towers will be wrapped in a protective enclosure while painters and steelworkers carry out their work.

The Dartmouth tower is expected to be completed this year, with the Halifax tower following suit in 2026. The project will require four weekend closures of the Macdonald Bridge throughout the year for the construction and removal of a platform that will separate the work area from traffic on the bridge deck.

The first closure is scheduled to begin on Friday, April 25th at 7 p.m., with subsequent closures planned for May, November, and December. Halifax Harbour Bridges assures that the A. Murray MacKay Bridge will remain open while the Macdonald Bridge is closed for construction.

While parts of the Macdonald Bridge have had paint removed in the past, this will be the first time the towers undergo such a process since the bridge opened in 1955. Given the saltwater conditions and years of paint layering from spot touch-ups and repairs, corrosion is expected to be present underneath the paint.

The two-year project is valued at approximately $70 million, with 85 individuals working on the project and 95% of the supplies being sourced locally in Nova Scotia. The cost covers both years of the project, repairs, and new paint application.

Liberty Blastech, a Nova Scotia joint venture company, has been selected to carry out the work due to their extensive experience in painting bridges. Halifax Harbour Bridges emphasizes the importance of skilled individuals for a project of this magnitude, especially when working at heights of 90 meters above sea level.

With over 40,000 vehicles crossing the Macdonald Bridge daily, Halifax Harbour Bridges is urging motorists to exercise caution and drive carefully during the construction period. While the sight of workers climbing the towers may be intriguing, it is essential to prioritize road safety and remain focused on the task of driving.