After almost a decade since a fire destroyed the Inkerman bridge, a crucial link in the Acadian Peninsula’s trail system, plans are underway to reconstruct it with $12 million in funding from the federal government and the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission. The federal government is contributing $11 million, with an additional $1 million from the regional service commission, while the province’s funding commitment is still pending.
The 500-meter trail bridge over Inkerman Lake, connecting Tracadie and Shippigan, served as a pathway for pedestrians, cyclists, snowmobilers, and ATV enthusiasts. Its destruction in 2017 not only physically divided the area but also disrupted the sense of community it had fostered.
Danielle Savoie, chair of the board for the Véloroute Péninsule Acadienne, expressed the impact of the bridge loss on the Véloroute network, which spans over 600 kilometers from Neguac to Lamèque and Rivière-du-Nord. A portion of the trail was upgraded in 2018, enhancing connectivity among various municipalities and businesses.
Since the fire, residents have been forced to detour onto Highway 113, raising concerns about road safety. A recent gathering in Inkerman, attended by around 300 residents, including many cyclists, marked the announcement of the long-awaited funding by Serge Cormier, the area’s Member of Parliament.
Cormier acknowledged the emotional significance of the funding announcement, highlighting the persistence of local groups, particularly the bridge committee, which raised approximately $5 million through fundraising activities post-fire. Despite initial delays, the federal government only received a funding request last year, prompting renewed hopes for the bridge’s reconstruction.
While the provincial government, as the bridge owner, has yet to confirm its financial contribution, discussions are ongoing. Cormier remains optimistic that the required $18 million, with $12 million already secured, will be completed with the province’s remaining $6 million.
The rebuild will feature a new 500-meter bridge constructed from non-wood materials to prevent a repetition of the 2017 incident. Cormier emphasized the significance of infrastructure development for northern New Brunswick and its positive impact on the local economy, particularly in promoting cyclist tourism.
Construction timelines have not been specified, but Cormier emphasized the involvement of local companies in the project bidding process. The future bridge will cater to various trail users, including ATV and snowmobile riders during winter and pedestrians and cyclists throughout the rest of the year.