Construction work on Halifax Infirmary project to start 'within weeks'

Nova Scotia has reached an agreement with a construction firm on the Halifax Infirmary project.

Nova Scotia has reached an agreement with a construction firm on the Halifax Infirmary project.

The province announced the deal with construction firm Plenary PCL Health on Friday with work expected to begin “within weeks.”

A government news release says the agreement will cover the initial work needed to prepare the site for an acute care tower.

The tower is set to have 216 beds, 16 operating rooms, an intensive care unit and a new emergency department.

The agreement also reportedly includes site surveying, blasting preparation and construction office setup.

Crews will begin by extending the current emergency department, excavating and relocating mechanical and electrical utilities, and creating temporary parking options ahead of the Robie Street parkade demolition.

"We acknowledge there will be some disruption and are working hard with our partners to reduce the impact to patients, health-care workers and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Alex Mitchell, the vice president of Clinical Infrastructure with Nova Scotia Health and Build Nova Scotia, in the release.