We are learning more about how it will look when toll booths come down on the MacKay Bridge.

According to Halifax Harbour Bridges, traffic should run smooth with a three-lane configuration.

Spokesperson Stephen Proctor tells our newsroom; to get there, construction will start soon with traffic pushed to the right-hand side in both directions.

“So, the big sections of the plaza where the trucks go.”

Meanwhile, he says, work will happen in the middle.

“On the 17th, when tolls come off, people are going to be finding themselves pushed to the outside lanes. It’ll all be very smooth because there will be no changing lanes to get to any other place.”

Proctor says, vehicles will eventually go through the middle section, but pushing traffic to the side, is safer.

Taking the tolls down at the MacKay is going to happen in two phases, with weekend closures starting in a few weeks’ time.

On-ramp closed

To prepare, the Princess Margarette Blvd on-ramp to the MacKay Bridge is about to be closed for six weeks starting this Sunday, March 16.

However, the off-ramp will still be open.

Halifax Harbour Bridges says there will be signs in place as well as alternate routes.

“The removal process involves dismantling toll booths, concrete barriers, gantries, and electronic infrastructure while reconfiguring traffic lanes.”

HHB says although the work is expected to last six weeks, construction could continue in the area for a while longer.

The closure of the on-ramp comes one day before crossing both bridges becomes free, which is happening two weeks ahead of schedule.