Overpass gets clean bill of health from DOT

BY CHRISTY MARSTERS

The Hants Journal

NovaNewsNow.com

The Department of Transportation (DOT) sites no structural concern to an overpass near Exit 8 following a recent thorough inspection to the underside of this structure.

This after Sept. 7 when the RCMP, Hantsport and Windsor Fire Departments and the DOT responded to a call made shortly after 5 p.m. that a piece of concrete fell from the overpass and smashed the window of a delivery truck. Reports also indicate that other pieces of debris were cleared away from both the road and the overpass with use of an aerial truck. Traffic was diverted for two-and-a-hal hours as the debris was removed.

DOT Communications Officer Steve Smith said small pieces that came loose off the structure were there for cosmetic reasons and did not affect the integrity of the overpass. “Our overpasses are safe,” he said. “We have more than 4,000 (bridges and overpasses in Nova Scotia) and there are no structural issues with any of them,” he said. “Over the winter, rain and snow will get in there while the overpass expands and contracts and this will shake pieces loose,” Smith noted. “That’s likely what happened.”

However, in his five years of work, Smith also noted he had never heard of debris from under an overpass hitting a vehicle. “Like a tree falling in the forest; it’s something that can’t be predicted,” Smith said. “Still, it is very uncommon for it to hit a vehicle.”

DOT staff is always vigilant in inspection of bridges and overpasses, as each one is inspected every year officially, Smith added. “And more unofficial inspections are also done as they (workers) use the overpasses. They’ll look if they see a problem.”

Depending on traffic flow and a combination of other factors, it is not unusual for an overpass to last as an asset with a lifespan of 50 years or more, Smith said.