Macdonald Bridge's repair work starts off smoothly

The first night of repair work forThe Big Lift on the Macdonald Bridgewent well, according toHalifax Harbour Bridges.

Spokeswoman Alison MacDonaldsays the bridge reopened to traffic earlier than expected Monday morning after repairs Sunday night.

A crew of about 20 workers is measuring the bridge as part of preparations to strengthen the bridge's stiffening truss. The truss is the green fence-like structure that stands on either side of the roadway.

The Big Lift involves removing the suspended span of theMacdonaldBridgeand replacing it.The spanwill be removed in 46 sections, with each weighing up to 120 tonnes.

The bridge is closed to motorized traffic between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.

The pedestrian and bike lanes will stay open until June.