Nearly a decade following a fire that ravaged the vital Inkerman bridge, connecting trails in the Acadian Peninsula, plans are underway to reconstruct it using $12 million in combined funding from the federal government and the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission. The federal government’s contribution amounts to $11 million, with an additional $1 million from the regional service commission. At this stage, the province has not yet committed to providing funding.
The bridge, spanning nearly 500 meters over Inkerman Lake, served as a crucial link between Tracadie and Shippigan for pedestrians, cyclists, snowmobilers, and ATV riders. Its destruction in 2017 not only physically divided the region but also fractured the sense of community that it once fostered.
The Véloroute Péninsule Acadienne, a network of trails covering over 600 kilometers from Neguac to Lamèque and Rivière-du-Nord, saw approximately 70 kilometers of its trail paved in 2018, connecting various municipalities and businesses. Post the bridge fire, residents were forced to detour onto Highway 113, the main road in Inkerman, raising concerns about road safety.
A gathering of around 300 residents, many of whom were cyclists, took place in Inkerman where Serge Cormier, the area’s Member of Parliament, announced the long-awaited funding. Cormier expressed relief and pride in seeing the project progress after years of effort by various groups striving for the bridge’s restoration.
Funding for the rebuild is anticipated to include contributions from local fundraisers, particularly the “bridge committee,” which has raised approximately $5 million through various initiatives since 2017. While a portion of these funds went towards developing new trails, a significant amount remains available for the bridge project.
Despite the prolonged delay in securing federal funding, the commitment of all parties involved is clear. However, the province, as the bridge owner, is yet to confirm its financial support for the reconstruction. Discussions and planning are deemed essential before any concrete funding commitments can be made.
Cormier remains optimistic that the federal government’s $12 million commitment, along with contributions from the regional service commission and local fundraisers, will pave the way for the province to provide the remaining $6 million needed for the project. The aim is to construct a new 500-meter bridge using non-wood materials to prevent a repeat of the 2017 fire.
With a focus on enhancing cyclist tourism and infrastructure in northern New Brunswick, the project holds promise for the region’s economic growth. The trail is expected to cater to a wide range of users, including ATVs, snowmobiles during winter, and walkers, and cyclists during the rest of the year, promoting outdoor activities and community connectivity.