Nearly a decade after a fire destroyed the Inkerman bridge, a vital link in the Acadian Peninsula’s recreational trail system, plans are in place to reconstruct it with a total budget of $12 million. The federal government is allocating $11 million, with an additional $1 million contributed by the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission. The provincial government has not yet confirmed its financial support for the project.
The bridge, spanning nearly 500 meters over Inkerman Lake and connecting Tracadie and Shippigan, served various recreational users like walkers, cyclists, snowmobilers, and ATV riders. Its destruction in 2017 not only physically divided the region but also disrupted the sense of community.
Danielle Savoie, chair of the board for the Véloroute Péninsule Acadienne, expressed the impact of the bridge’s absence, highlighting how it severed the Véloroute network. The Véloroute, a network of trails stretching over 600 kilometers from Neguac to Lamèque and Rivière-du-Nord, saw 70 kilometers paved in 2018 to connect multiple municipalities and businesses.
Residents have since been forced to detour onto Highway 113 in Inkerman, raising concerns about road safety. Recently, Serge Cormier, the local Member of Parliament, announced the awaited funding to about 300 residents, many of whom are cyclists, emphasizing the relief and pride in the community’s perseverance.
Local fundraising efforts, including the successful “Chase the Ace” lotteries by a group known as the bridge committee, have amassed around $5 million since 2017. This funding, along with the federal and regional contributions, is anticipated to cover the estimated $18 million reconstruction cost.
While the federal and regional commitments are secured, the province, as the bridge owner, is yet to confirm its financial participation. The tourism minister hinted at ongoing discussions within the government before any concrete funding decisions are made. Cormier remains optimistic that the province will contribute the remaining $6 million, emphasizing the importance of the infrastructure for northern New Brunswick.
Notably, the new 500-meter bridge will be constructed with non-wood materials to mitigate fire risks. Cormier envisions the revitalized trail system aiding in the growth of cyclist tourism and economic development in the region. The project aims to involve local companies in the construction process, promoting community engagement and support.
While a specific construction start date remains undisclosed, the trail’s reopening for winter ATV and snowmobile use and summer pedestrian and cyclist access is anticipated. The project’s completion will not only restore a crucial link for the community but also foster economic and recreational opportunities in the region.
