Saint John Harbour Bridge repairs needed soon

The Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority is warning that if massive repairs do not start soon, it will impose measures to prolong the life of the aging bridge.

The 40-year-old span needs an estimated $35 million worth of repairs and Ken Anthony, the general manager of the bridge authority, said construction must begin in 2010.

"We need to start construction next year, otherwise ... we'll be into some type of either speed restrictions, load restrictions, lane closures," Anthony said.

The authority has asked for bank loans to help cover the cost of the repair project but it wasdenied access to the necessary funds.

The bridge authority has reapplied to the banks for money to start work on the bridge and Anthony said this time he hopes it stands a better chance.

"The markets have settled down as you know, and credit is more readily available than itwas last year," he said.

"Last year [at]this time, banks weren't loaning money to anybody, let alone us."

Anthony said they need loan guarantees from the provincial and federal governments for their application to succeed.

Options available: Weston

Saint John Conservative MP Rodney Weston said government loan guarantees may not be the only option available to the bridge authority.

Weston said he'll explore the issue with senior politicians this week in Ottawa to find out if there are other avenues to allow the bridge construction work to proceed next year.

"They may have some different ideas. When many heads are put together, different ideas come forward," Weston said.

During last fall's federal election, Weston promised to remove the bridge tolls.

The New Brunswick government has also been negotiating with Ottawa to relieve the debt of the Saint John Harbour Bridge.

Premier Shawn Graham sent a proposal earlier this year to Ottawa asking the federal government to contribute more than $200 million in debt forgiveness and maintenance costs.

If that happens, Graham said the provincial government would gladly take over the span.