Latest news with #TonyWright
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
MacKay Bridge's lifespan is almost up, but what happens next isn't clear
The A. Murray MacKay Bridge that spans Halifax harbour is wearing out, leaving some big decisions ahead over the next few years. The commission that runs the bridge that opened in 1970 says gridlock-inducing closures for repair work will become more common the longer it's in use, but it's still not clear whether the bridge will be replaced or refurbished. "We're predicting maintenance to substantially increase over the next couple of years, just cause it was designed as a 50-year bridge and now we're in year 55," said Tony Wright, the chief executive officer of Halifax Harbour Bridges. "It's nearing the end of its service life. And so by 2035, 2040, we anticipate the level of maintenance required to keep it operational, we'll be getting little value for money at that point. So we're really looking at the long term." Wright said work will be done at night or by closing one lane at a time whenever that's possible, but some full shutdowns are inevitable. There is a weekend closure for maintenance starting July 25, one of four expected this year. Unclear if toll removal impacting traffic Upwards of 115,000 vehicles typically cross the two suspension bridges connecting Halifax and Dartmouth every day — with more than half of them using the MacKay, which shoulders the heavier commercial traffic. When the premier announced earlier this year that the bridge tolls would be removed, some experts cautioned that the move would drive up traffic. Wright said it's not yet clear whether that has happened since the tolls came off March 17 because they're still validating data gathered by new cameras. Halifax Harbour Bridges used to monitor traffic through the tolling system. More important than the number of vehicles though, Wright said, is installing a system to measure the amount of weight crossing the bridges because the load "impacts features like the integrity of the deck system." "We're really interested in understanding any changes in commercial traffic growth. We know the city has adopted electric buses. Those vehicles weigh almost twice as much as traditional buses … and vehicles are getting heavier," he said. This means any increase in commercial traffic will increase the wear and tear on the bridge and speed up the need for maintenance. Kathryn Morse, the councillor for Halifax-Bedford Basin West who sits on the bridge's board of commissioners, said she is concerned about that happening and is looking forward to seeing data when it's available. "The bridges are the most critical piece of transportation infrastructure in the city, they are really key to getting a handle on all our traffic issues," she said, adding that it's also important to know the long-term plans for the aging structure. "One recent example, it's difficult to plan the Windsor Street exchange without knowing the implications of what's happening with the bridge," Morse said. New bridge versus retrofit A 2018 feasibility study by the engineering consulting firm COWI North America looked at nine different scenarios for extending the bridge's use or building a new structure. It recommended constructing a new, slightly longer bridge north of the existing bridge, with six lanes of traffic and two active transportation lanes. But Wright says that report was "very high level." Aecon Group, a construction and engineering company, was hired subsequently to study what exactly refurbishing the bridge would involve. "What we're talking about here now is doing … some preliminary engineering. How would you do a rehab of the deck? How would you do the Big Lift? What are your options?" he said. "That's a much more in-depth analysis. And I think we need to do that … because we're dealing with such a significant cost here." Though the study isn't done, Wright said it's clear upgrading the structure would be complex — the approach spans need work and the deck's thickness is well below the current Canadian standard. "You would have to fortify, strengthen the main towers, you'd have to make sure the foundations can withstand that additional loading. You'd have to install a new main cable or supplementary main cable. and then you're ready to do your big lift, none of which had to happen on the Macdonald." A retrofit could cost between $600 and $700 million, while a new bridge could be double that, he said, but called any estimates "a little premature." "Eight lanes, six lanes, four lanes, what does it need to carry really drives the cost. We don't have that information yet. So, I think estimating new bridge costs today is a little premature.… This is why we need to get on with this business case." Those aren't the only two options considered, either. Wright said a firm specializing in tunnels found one under the harbour would have to start at Highway 111 near Burnside and go all the way to the Windsor Street exchange — meaning it would be three times as long as the MacKay Bridge, and tunnels are typically five times as expensive to build. Ultimately, it'll be up to the province to consider the costs, the impact on traffic disruption and the lifespan of the new project when choosing the best route, he said. Any option will take time. Planning and procurement can take three to five years and construction work could take another six to 10 years, impacted by the availability of specialized labour, Wright said, which puts the timeline at the end of the MacKay's service life. "I don't want it to go too much beyond that because then you're really essentially forced into a rehab situation that you're not planning for and that's what we're trying to avoid," he said. WATCH | Replace or refurbish? Fate of MacKay Bridge yet to be decided: MORE TOP STORIES
CBC
2 days ago
- Automotive
- CBC
MacKay Bridge's lifespan is almost up, but what happens next isn't clear
Social Sharing The A. Murray MacKay Bridge that spans Halifax harbour is wearing out, leaving some big decisions ahead over the next few years. The commission that runs the bridge that opened in 1970 says gridlock-inducing closures for repair work will become more common the longer it's in use, but it's still not clear whether the bridge will be replaced or refurbished. "We're predicting maintenance to substantially increase over the next couple of years, just cause it was designed as a 50-year bridge and now we're in year 55," said Tony Wright, the chief executive officer of Halifax Harbour Bridges. "It's nearing the end of its service life. And so by 2035, 2040, we anticipate the level of maintenance required to keep it operational, we'll be getting little value for money at that point. So we're really looking at the long term." Wright said work will be done at night or by closing one lane at a time whenever that's possible, but some full shutdowns are inevitable. There is a weekend closure for maintenance starting July 25, one of four expected this year. Unclear if toll removal impacting traffic Upwards of 115,000 vehicles typically cross the two suspension bridges connecting Halifax and Dartmouth every day — with more than half of them using the MacKay, which shoulders the heavier commercial traffic. When the premier announced earlier this year that the bridge tolls would be removed, some experts cautioned that the move would drive up traffic. Wright said it's not yet clear whether that has happened since the tolls came off March 17 because they're still validating data gathered by new cameras. Halifax Harbour Bridges used to monitor traffic through the tolling system. More important than the number of vehicles though, Wright said, is installing a system to measure the amount of weight crossing the bridges because the load "impacts features like the integrity of the deck system." "We're really interested in understanding any changes in commercial traffic growth. We know the city has adopted electric buses. Those vehicles weigh almost twice as much as traditional buses … and vehicles are getting heavier," he said. This means any increase in commercial traffic will increase the wear and tear on the bridge and speed up the need for maintenance. Kathryn Morse, the councillor for Halifax-Bedford Basin West who sits on the bridge's board of commissioners, said she is concerned about that happening and is looking forward to seeing data when it's available. "The bridges are the most critical piece of transportation infrastructure in the city, they are really key to getting a handle on all our traffic issues," she said, adding that it's also important to know the long-term plans for the aging structure. "One recent example, it's difficult to plan the Windsor Street exchange without knowing the implications of what's happening with the bridge," Morse said. New bridge versus retrofit A 2018 feasibility study by the engineering consulting firm COWI North America looked at nine different scenarios for extending the bridge's use or building a new structure. It recommended constructing a new, slightly longer bridge north of the existing bridge, with six lanes of traffic and two active transportation lanes. But Wright says that report was "very high level." Aecon Group, a construction and engineering company, was hired subsequently to study what exactly refurbishing the bridge would involve. "What we're talking about here now is doing … some preliminary engineering. How would you do a rehab of the deck? How would you do the Big Lift? What are your options?" he said. "That's a much more in-depth analysis. And I think we need to do that … because we're dealing with such a significant cost here." Though the study isn't done, Wright said it's clear upgrading the structure would be complex — the approach spans need work and the deck's thickness is well below the current Canadian standard. "You would have to fortify, strengthen the main towers, you'd have to make sure the foundations can withstand that additional loading. You'd have to install a new main cable or supplementary main cable. and then you're ready to do your big lift, none of which had to happen on the Macdonald." A retrofit could cost between $600 and $700 million, while a new bridge could be double that, he said, but called any estimates "a little premature." "Eight lanes, six lanes, four lanes, what does it need to carry really drives the cost. We don't have that information yet. So, I think estimating new bridge costs today is a little premature.… This is why we need to get on with this business case." Those aren't the only two options considered, either. Wright said a firm specializing in tunnels found one under the harbour would have to start at Highway 111 near Burnside and go all the way to the Windsor Street exchange — meaning it would be three times as long as the MacKay Bridge, and tunnels are typically five times as expensive to build. Ultimately, it'll be up to the province to consider the costs, the impact on traffic disruption and the lifespan of the new project when choosing the best route, he said. Any option will take time. Planning and procurement can take three to five years and construction work could take another six to 10 years, impacted by the availability of specialized labour, Wright said, which puts the timeline at the end of the MacKay's service life. "I don't want it to go too much beyond that because then you're really essentially forced into a rehab situation that you're not planning for and that's what we're trying to avoid," he said. WATCH | Replace or refurbish? Fate of MacKay Bridge yet to be decided: MacKay Bridge approaching end of projected lifespan 5 minutes ago Duration 2:55
Daily Telegraph
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Telegraph
Things buyers commonly forget to check when househunting
There are so many considerations when buying a property that sometimes it's easy to forget the little things that make all the difference in comfort (and cost) once you have moved in. COMFORT MATTERS The number of power-points is one such example, says CEO and co-founder of removalist platform Muval James Morrell. 'It's important to consider how each room will be used and how many devices you may need to plug in at any given time,' he says. While it may be the last thing on your mind during an inspection, whether there are adequate or working power-points plays a big part in the liveability of the home. Hipages trade and director of Stewart Electrical Group Darcy Stewart says a power-point installation generally costs $150-$300 per outlet depending on the socket type, with electricians usually charging about $120-$150 per hour as well as a call out fee for some jobs. MORE: 'Fail': Common Aus practice to become illegal Shock blow for Aussies in RBA rate call 'If you're installing several outlets, it's more efficient to do them all at once to save on multiple call-outs,' he says. 'However, keep in mind that older homes may not support the additional load without an electrical system or switchboard upgrade.' STRUCTURAL ISSUES Water pressure, warped floors and strange smells are another thing to check, says Morrell. Hipages plumber Tony Wright from Skillsmart Plumbing says while low water pressure could just mean worn tapware it could also indicate 'deeper underlying issues like corroded flexible hoses at risk of bursting, deteriorated pipework or an ageing hot water system' – issues that could add up to thousands. 'It's not just pressure you need to watch,' he says. 'Cracked tiles or worn grout in a bathroom can signal a waterproofing issue, a defect that allows slow leaks to cause rot and structural damage over time.' He suggests getting a pre-purchase plumbing inspection before buying. Kubra Building Services director Martin Nguyen says water stains and water pooling near the foundations could indicate serious structural issues. 'One of the biggest concerns is the foundation, as this is the most expensive part of a home to repair,' he says. 'If the foundation is compromised, it can lead to a chain of issues throughout the house.' He says it's important to check the condition of gutters and the roof and whether there are any cracks around doors or windows that allow water in. Melbourne buyer's agent Mario Borg says structural issues can impact more than just the property. 'A property with unresolved structural repairs can be harder to insure and to finance,' he says. 'A buyer should not assume that a home loan pre-approval is a guarantee for finance, as a pre-approval is usually subject to 'satisfactory property and satisfactory valuation' to the lender.' LOCATION FACTORS A lot of people are so focused on the property itself, they forget to check out what it's happening around it, says Morrell. 'Are there any new buildings going up that might block your view or bring more traffic and noise?' he says. 'And seriously, try driving the commute during rush hour, 7am and 6pm are totally different vibes than a calm afternoon visit.' It's also worth checking your local council website and state based planning tools like VicPlan or the NSW Planning Portal to see what developments are planned in the neighbourhood, he adds. Borg says this is also important for ensuring the future value of the property over time. 'A property in a desirable location tends to outperform others in terms of value growth,' he says. ONGOING COSTS Don't forget to add in the cost of Strata if you are buying into a Body Corporate complex as well as the cost of insurance, says Morrell. 'Termite inspection history is another thing people forget, but it's super important,' he says. 'Homebuyers can usually access a property's termite inspection history by asking the seller or real estate agent. They may be able to provide past reports or disclose any previous termite issues in the vendor statement.' If there is termite management in place, you may have to pay for ongoing service. LEGAL OVERSIGHTS Morrell says it's crucial to organise a Pest and Building report. 'Make sure you check the property title and boundaries too, so you don't accidentally step on someone else's turf later on,' he says. 'Keep an eye out for any easements or covenants; they might come with rules about shared access or what you can actually do with the place.' MORE: $2.6m Vic home that pays the mortgage Origin captain: Party boy to mega rich Aussie celebs' most bitter, expensive divorces exposed
News.com.au
7 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Things buyers commonly forget to check when househunting
There are so many considerations when buying a property that sometimes it's easy to forget the little things that make all the difference in comfort (and cost) once you have moved in. COMFORT MATTERS The number of power-points is one such example, says CEO and co-founder of removalist platform Muval James Morrell. 'It's important to consider how each room will be used and how many devices you may need to plug in at any given time,' he says. While it may be the last thing on your mind during an inspection, whether there are adequate or working power-points plays a big part in the liveability of the home. Hipages trade and director of Stewart Electrical Group Darcy Stewart says a power-point installation generally costs $150-$300 per outlet depending on the socket type, with electricians usually charging about $120-$150 per hour as well as a call out fee for some jobs. 'If you're installing several outlets, it's more efficient to do them all at once to save on multiple call-outs,' he says. 'However, keep in mind that older homes may not support the additional load without an electrical system or switchboard upgrade.' STRUCTURAL ISSUES Water pressure, warped floors and strange smells are another thing to check, says Morrell. Hipages plumber Tony Wright from Skillsmart Plumbing says while low water pressure could just mean worn tapware it could also indicate 'deeper underlying issues like corroded flexible hoses at risk of bursting, deteriorated pipework or an ageing hot water system' – issues that could add up to thousands. 'It's not just pressure you need to watch,' he says. 'Cracked tiles or worn grout in a bathroom can signal a waterproofing issue, a defect that allows slow leaks to cause rot and structural damage over time.' He suggests getting a pre-purchase plumbing inspection before buying. Kubra Building Services director Martin Nguyen says water stains and water pooling near the foundations could indicate serious structural issues. 'One of the biggest concerns is the foundation, as this is the most expensive part of a home to repair,' he says. 'If the foundation is compromised, it can lead to a chain of issues throughout the house.' He says it's important to check the condition of gutters and the roof and whether there are any cracks around doors or windows that allow water in. Melbourne buyer's agent Mario Borg says structural issues can impact more than just the property. 'A property with unresolved structural repairs can be harder to insure and to finance,' he says. 'A buyer should not assume that a home loan pre-approval is a guarantee for finance, as a pre-approval is usually subject to 'satisfactory property and satisfactory valuation' to the lender.' LOCATION FACTORS A lot of people are so focused on the property itself, they forget to check out what it's happening around it, says Morrell. 'Are there any new buildings going up that might block your view or bring more traffic and noise?' he says. 'And seriously, try driving the commute during rush hour, 7am and 6pm are totally different vibes than a calm afternoon visit.' It's also worth checking your local council website and state based planning tools like VicPlan or the NSW Planning Portal to see what developments are planned in the neighbourhood, he adds. Borg says this is also important for ensuring the future value of the property over time. 'A property in a desirable location tends to outperform others in terms of value growth,' he says. ONGOING COSTS Don't forget to add in the cost of Strata if you are buying into a Body Corporate complex as well as the cost of insurance, says Morrell. 'Termite inspection history is another thing people forget, but it's super important,' he says. 'Homebuyers can usually access a property's termite inspection history by asking the seller or real estate agent. They may be able to provide past reports or disclose any previous termite issues in the vendor statement.' If there is termite management in place, you may have to pay for ongoing service. Morrell says it's crucial to organise a Pest and Building report. 'Make sure you check the property title and boundaries too, so you don't accidentally step on someone else's turf later on,' he says. 'Keep an eye out for any easements or covenants; they might come with rules about shared access or what you can actually do with the place.'
The Guardian
15-06-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Labour needs to make its priorities clear to everyone
Martin Kettle quotes a former Whitehall mandarin saying that 'the government has still not made clear what kind of Britain it is trying to create' (Rachel Reeves seized her moment – whatever the future brings, Labour's economic course is now set, 12 June). He has a point, not wholly answered by Rachel Reeves. It's the vision thing, and the ability to communicate it. It's about describing what Labour is for, in a general sense, beyond a list of policy deliverables. Growth is important, but only as a means, not an end. 'Securonomics' is interesting, but has no public resonance. If people are now unsure what Labour stands for, it is because the task of ideological self-definition has been neglected. This is unlike 1997, which was preceded by a process of rethinking that produced New Labour and the 'third way'. Something similar is needed now. There is a rich tradition of social democratic thinking in Britain to draw on, including RH Tawney's argument for equal access to what he called 'the means of civilisation' as the basis for a common culture. Pragmatism is valuable, but it is not enough. An argument should be constructed around the three pillars of security, opportunity and community that would pull together all that the government is trying to do, and the kind of Britain it wants to create. And in a way that people might WrightLabour MP, 1992-2010 I agree with Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah that the focus on investment alone will not work (Has Rachel Reeves made the right choices? Our panel responds to the spending review, 11 June). New public investments are pointless if the operation and maintenance of what already exists isn't adequately funded. After years of austerity, the quickest and surest way to raise GDP and improve public services is to ensure that we realise the full potential of what we already have. The highest priority should be to relieve the financial pressure on those delivering services, especially our severely cash-strapped local authorities. This will deliver more broad-based and higher economic growth quickly, in contrast to the central allocation of investment funds to mega-projects that will take decades to deliver results. Entrepreneurs want to live and invest in safe areas with good health and education, well maintained roads and pleasant amenities. Properly funded local authorities can encourage higher private investment by delivering that. Unfortunately, they are instead expected to implement an expensive and disruptive reorganisation and find the money to pay higher minimum wages and national insurance while receiving a settlement that implies a real-terms cut in funding. Labour needs to think FosterChelmsford According to Rachel Reeves, the NHS has been 'protected' and will receive 'a 3% rise in its budget' (Spending review 2025: who are the winners and losers?, 11 June). But will it in practice? In a recent meeting with the chief executive of the Nottingham University hospitals trust, he told us that he had been instructed to make £97m of cuts in this financial year. This would mean leading to the loss of about 750 jobs and the closure of some wards. Further, these massive cuts are the trust's contribution to the even bigger ones imposed on the integrated care board for our county: a £280m reduction in the provision for all local health services. So, which is it really, protection and a 3% rise, or enormous cuts?Mike ScottChair, Nottingham & Notts Keep Our NHS Public Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
