Halifax Harbour Bridges CEO Steven Snider says even a short closure could have ripple effects across the municipality

Monday's protest on the Macdonald Bridge has the municipality and Halifax Harbour Bridges preparing for the possibility of major delays.

Climate activists with Extinction Rebellion have announced they'll be blockading the a section of the bridge this coming Monday in hopes of raising awareness about the climate crisis.

Halifax Harbour Bridges CEO Steven Snider says even a short closure could have ripple effects across the municipality.

"If this bridge is closed for even 30 minutes during peak time, people can experience a couple-hour delay," suggested Snider.

In the past, Snider says, the bridge has been shut down to help accommodate protestors or groups, but no one from the Extinction Rebellion has reached out to the bridge commission.

"Nobody's approached us whatsoever," said Snider. "And our understanding from police is that this is not a permitted event."

The municipality says to prepare for the potential closure, Halifax Transit is looking at plans to detour busses across the MacKay bridge on Monday morning.

"The ferries are also another option for getting across the harbour," offered municipal spokesperson Brynn Budden. "Transit staff remain in talks about the planned protest and are continuing to monitor the situation."