Major disruptions on the Saint John Harbour Bridge are set to end as the 2025 construction season wraps up.

Commuters can look forward to a smoother drive into the holiday season. The City of Saint John announced that the current phase of the Harbour Bridge project is nearing completion, with all lanes and ramps expected to fully reopen by December 10th.

In a press release published on its website, the city outlined the upcoming changes that will ease traffic flow on the vital artery. The project is a joint effort between the City of Saint John, the Government of New Brunswick, and the Department of Transportation.

The Saint John Harbour Bridge has been undergoing significant rehabilitation. Image: City of Saint John

What to Expect by December 10th

By the target date, you will see several key improvements that restore normal traffic patterns:

• All Lanes Open: All traffic lanes crossing the bridge will be open.
• All Ramps Open: All access ramps leading to and from the bridge will be operational.
• Harbour Passage Restored: The detour on the Harbour Passage trail near the Brunswicker will be removed, returning the trail to its original route.

Looking Ahead: 2026-2028 Construction Plans

While the major lane closures of 2025 are ending, work on the bridge is not completely finished. The city has outlined what to expect in the coming years as maintenance continues.

The good news is that no long-term lane closures are planned beyond 2025. However, you should still prepare for some minor and short-term disruptions:

• Continued Ramp Closures: From 2026 to 2028, some ramp closures and Harbour Passage detours will be necessary for bearing replacement work.
• Short-Term Lane Closures: Occasional, temporary lane closures may still occur, including single lane closures in 2027.
• Brief Full Closures: In 2026, there will be minimal, 20-minute full bridge closures for specific tasks, similar to those that occurred in 2025.

The city thanks residents for their patience as improvements to this essential piece of infrastructure continue.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will all lanes on the Harbour Bridge reopen?

All lanes and ramps are expected to be fully open by December 10th, 2025.

Will there be more construction on the bridge after 2025?

Yes, work will continue from 2026 to 2028. However, no further long-term lane closures are planned. Future work will involve ramp closures, Harbour Passage detours, and very brief full bridge closures.

Is the Harbour Passage detour permanent?

No. The detour will be removed and the original trail will be restored by December 10th, 2025.

Who is managing the Harbour Bridge project?

The project is a partnership between the City of Saint John, the Government of New Brunswick, and the Department of Transportation.