Halifax’s Macdonald Bridge sees uptick in commercial vehicles weighing more than legal limit

Halifax Harbour Bridges is reporting an uptick in heavy commercial vehicles on the Macdonald Bridge.

Since the removal of the toll booths on the Macdonald Bridge, there has been an uptick in commercial vehicles weighing more than the legal limit making the crossing, according to the Halifax Harbour Bridges (HHB).

In a Facebook post, HHB said they have been ticketing roughly two-to-four commercial vehicles per day in recent weeks.

The bridge does not allow commercial vehicles weighing more than 3,200kg.

“This isn’t just a traffic violation — it’s about protecting the bridge for everyone’s safety and its long-term lifespan,” the post reads. “Please respect the weight restrictions and help us preserve the bridge.”

Steve Proctor, communications manager with HHB, said about half of the ticketed commercial trucks are from Nova Scotia while the others are from the Maritimes or farther west.

He also noted it’s a problem they’re hoping to nip in the bud before it becomes a larger issue.

“The bridge was not built for heavy vehicles,” he said. “We want to ensure the longevity of the bridge. We want to ensure the bridge is around for another 75-100 years.

“If there was a fleet of trucks, heavy trucks, that came across, that would begin to put stress on the bridge itself.”

Proctor said a ticket for a first-time offender is $230.

-With files from CTV Atlantic’s Callum Smith

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