MacKay bridge closed this weekend for maintenance, inspection work

The A. Murray MacKay Bridge will be closed to traffic over the weekend for important maintenance and inspection work, Halifax Harbour Bridges says.

The span will close Friday at 9 p.m. and reopen Monday at 5:30 a.m., the bridge commission said in a news release.

The maintenance work includes replacement of expansion joint glands, full road deck removal in the north lane and selected areas of the south lane to allow detailed inspections, and various additional inspections and repair work, the commission said.

The shutdown will begin an hour later than typical weekend closures to accommodate traffic from an event Friday at the Garrison Grounds in Halifax in conjunction with Canada's opening match of the FIFA World Cup, the release said.

Passengers on Halifax Transit ferries can travel for free on the weekend, with the bridge commission covering the cost.

Halifax Harbour Bridges said drivers should expect delays throughout the weekend, particularly on the Macdonald bridge and areas around it.