The province is putting $45 million into a well-known bridge in Cape Breton.

The Seal Island Bridge will get a retrofit to keep it in use for another 15 years.

Work is expected to be done in 2028.

Public Works Minister Kim Masland calls it a vital transportation corridor for good, services and visitors in Cape Breton.

Work on the steel trusses began earlier this year.

The province says it provides the time needed to plan for a long-term replacement of the crossing.