The MacKay bridge is temporarily closed Wednesday afternoon due to a chemical spill in the area.

The spill is sizable and combustible and it came from below the bridge at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, according to Steven Proctor, spokesperson for Halifax Harbour Bridges.

Emergency responders are also evacuating offices in the nearby area, he says.

The city sent an emergency alert around 4:22 p.m., telling people they have to stay at least 250 metres away from the Institute. The mandatory evacuation order will stay in place until the scene is secure, the alert said.

Proctor says the bridge will be closed until around 8 p.m.

Halifax police confirm they are redirecting traffic in the area.

More to come…