Tractor trailer strikes MacKay bridge tollbooth, repair could take weeks

A tractor trailer struck a MacKay Bridge tollbooth in Dartmouth as it headed towards Halifax at about 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

“This is the most extensive damage I’ve seen in my 20-plus years here at the commission. First and foremost, we’re very fortunate that nobody was hurt. This is a work zone for all of our staff,” Steve Snider, Halifax Harbour Bridges‘ CEO and general manager, said near the scene.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "This is the most extensive damage I've seen in my 20-plus years here at the commission. First and foremost, we're very fortunate that nobody was hurt. This is a work zone for all of our staff," Steve Snider, <a href="https://globalnews.ca/tag/halifax-harbour-bridges/">Halifax Harbour Bridges</a>' CEO and general manager, said near the scene.

He added that the particular lane was not designed to accommodate such a large vehicle

“He was going at a speed sufficient that he basically cleared the top of the canopy. The entire concrete pads that were up there and all the electronics were removed,” said Snider.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "He was going at a speed sufficient that he basically cleared the top of the canopy. The entire concrete pads that were up there and all the electronics were removed," said Snider.

Part of the roof of the booth, including a sign, was lodged between the tractor and its attached trailer.

READ: Halifax Harbour Bridges looking into re-decking or replacing MacKay

Engineers were at the site trying to assess the structure’s stability to see if it’s safe to work there. Once that part is finished, the broken-off pieces will be removed.

Snider said he expects the scene will be cleared by mid-afternoon or later, and getting the lane operational again could take weeks.