West River Bridge
The Nova Scotia Ministry of Tranportation and Infrastructure Renewal (NSTIR) is in the process of reviewing the design of the West River Bridge. The initial design included two 241 metre long bridges across the river with 4 spans on each bridge (a diagram is available). This design was part of the original plan which received approval through the Environmental Assessment process.
Facing escalating costs for the project, NSTIR decided to investigate the possibility of lowering the cost of the bridge construction by modifying the design.
Initially, a 90-metre alternative design was developed and considered. In order to accomplish the shorter span, significant infilling would be required across the flood-zone habitat. After a review by consultants and the CLC, NSTIR decided not to pursue the option of the 90-metre span.
Currently, NSTIR is considering two 140 metre long bridges that would comprise 2 spans on each bridge (see diagram). These bridges would have much less infilling in the flood-zone habitat than the 90-metre alternative would have had, but the original 241 metre design had none. There is projected to be savings of approximately $5 million because of the shortened spans (see financial analysis factsheet).
Environmental reviews were conducted by consultants for all 3 bridge scenarios. With respect to the effects of the bridge on flooging of the river, the consultants have indicated that there is little difference between the 140 metre bridges and having no bridge there at all. In fact, with a 100-year flood event (the worst flooding to be expected in a 100-year period), the increase in height of the water is expected to be 8 centimetres at the highest point, decreasing to zero over a 1km distance (see aerial photo showing flood-zone) . The scouring (disturbance of the bottom of the river) would be expected to be about 0.5 metres more with the 140 metre bridges in place. A factsheet with this hydrology information is available for viewing.
The infilling associated with the 140 metre bridges will have terrestrial effects that would not have been seen with the original 241 metre bridges. A factsheet on all environmental effects is available.
A summary factsheet has been developed that shows the differences between having no bridges in the area, a 241 metre bridge as originally planned, or a 140 metre bridge.
As well, the consultants reports are available for viewing. You can view the initial hydrology report and a second for the 140 metre span bridges( both written by R.V. Anderson Associates Limited). As well, the overall environmental report by Stantec Consulting Limited is available. These are all detailed technical reports.
A decision on whether to pursue the 140 metre bridges scenario is expected to be made at the end of April. If the design if the bridge is changed, it will be subject to review by the Department of Fisheries, Department of Natural Resources and the Nova Scotia Department of Environment.