The Town of Conception Bay South says it understands residents’ frustration over what it calls a “lack of progress” on the Seal Cove Bridge replacement, and says the contractor returned to the site yesterday to prepare for drilling operations.

Last month, the town issued an update saying that the contractor was waiting on the arrival of equipment at the site to complete necessary drilling.

The town says it is not in a position to confirm a reopening date for the bridge, but it is pressing for the earliest possible completion.

The town states that it is talking steps to “require the contractor to resume and complete the work without further delay.”

Seal Cove Grocery & Liquor Express recently raised concerns about the construction, saying sales are down 30 per cent and that it could force them to close.

The town acknowledges this, and is encouraging residents to support local businesses – including Seal Cove Grocery.