An evacuation order for a Dartmouth neighborhood has been lifted after a dangerous incident involving a damaged construction crane.
The city says Faulkner and Lyle Streets, Windmill Road and Wyse Road have been reopened.
It was Thursday around 3 p.m., when police and fire crews rushed to the scene with the crane unstable in the area.
About 25 people were evacuated around Faulkner Street and Wyse Road and received help from the Canadian Red Cross with temporary shelter.
The Macdonald Bridge was also shut down.
Photo: Sean DeWitt
The bridge closure caused massive traffic backups in the afternoon Thursday, with some main roadways at a standstill well before rush hour.
Cars were barely moving along the 102 from the Joseph Howe exit to Chebucto Road.
Not only that, main arteries, like the Windsor Exchange, the Armdale Rotary and Quinpool Road were clogged.
A listener called in to describe the scene.
“I’m driving a truck here through the city, trying to get home. Got across the [MacKay] bridge there into Dartmouth. Once you’re on the bridge–smooth sailing,” the caller said.
Halifax Harbour Bridges issued a statement Thursday evening that the bridge would stay closed through the night, with no guarantee it would reopen by Friday morning rush hour.
However, as of 5:30 a.m, Friday, the Macdonald Bridge reopened to traffic after the Occupational Health and Safety department confirmed the crane was stable.
5:30 AM UPDATE
The Macdonald Bridge has reopened to traffic— HHB (@HHBridges) November 8, 2024
Fire and police crews have also now cleared the scene in Dartmouth.
