Reversing Falls skywalk rumbles into Saint John

Flanked by two escort vehicles and another two police cruisers, a transport truck snaked its way into Saint John, carrying what will become a signature part of the Reversing Falls Restaurant makeover.

Renovations on the restaurant, once slated for demolition, have been underway since early spring.

Once complete, the refurbished building next to the Reversing Falls Bridge will include a rooftop deck with a skywalk.

The skywalk will be installed on Tuesday morning, but getting it into Saint John required some very skilled driving.

The skywalk itself was constructed in Fredericton by L&A Metalworks before it was transported to Saint John.

The pieces weigh around 11,340 kilograms and when loaded onto a truck, stuck out more than five metres.

The oversized nature of the load meant the convoy had to wait before rolling into the city.

Sgt. Tom Clayton with the Saint John police said shipments such as this need to be transported before 6 a.m. and after 7 p.m.

The timing is to ensure uncontrollable variables, such as flat tires, wouldn't spell traffic jams for commuters.

Everything else, Clayton said, is covered by a quick drive of the route before the main event.

"Just in case," he said, "[because] Murphy's Law."

Sure enough, it was smooth sailing along the highway.

Fred MacNeill, the driver, had no issues as he pulled the skywalk into the Reversing Falls parking lot where it will be installed on Tuesday morning.

Once it is put in place, the rooftop fixture will operate as a separate attraction at the Reversing Falls Restaurant.

Max Kotlowski, the restaurant's owner, said it will cost about $15 to take a trip to the top, which along with the view, will include access to a new theatre.