‘Big Lift’ Macdonald bridge project reaches milestone over the weekend

After years of preparation, construction and installation,  the end of “The Big Lift” project is finally in sight.

Over the weekend, crews replaced the final two of 46 deck segments on the Macdonald Bridge – a process that began back in the Fall of 2015.

The final two segments, panels 15 and 16, were supposed to be installed one after another overnight on Saturday. However, inclement weather meant the final panel wasn’t in place until 6 a.m. Sunday.

The milestone marks the final routine Saturday-Sunday closure for the time being.

READ MORE: ‘Big Lift’ Macdonald Bridge re-decking delayed to early 2017

Halifax Harbour Bridges spokesperson Alison MacDonald said there’s still more work to be done and weekend closures are scheduled to resume in April between four and six weeks.

“Coming to the end of this phase is a huge milestone for the project,” MacDonald said.

“It was a lot of work and we appreciate the public’s patience through this.”

WATCH: An iconic photo of the final Macdonald deck segment being replaced has exploded online. Alexa MacLean reports.

1:50 The Big Lift photographer gets a big surprise at online reaction to photograph

There is still work to be done to in order to repave the bridge, as well as  replace all the suspender ropes and expansion points.

Bike lanes and sidewalks are expected to reopen in about five weeks.

The bridge will continue to close weekdays from from Sunday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.