After nearly a decade since a fire incident destroyed an essential bridge along the recreational trail network in the Acadian Peninsula, plans are underway to reconstruct the Inkerman bridge. The reconstruction project, valued at $12 million, will be funded by the federal government and the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission.
The federal government has committed $11 million towards the reconstruction, with an additional $1 million contribution from the regional service commission. The provincial government has not yet confirmed its financial support for the project.
The Inkerman bridge, stretching almost 500 meters over Inkerman Lake, previously connected Tracadie and Shippigan, serving pedestrians, cyclists, snowmobilers, and ATV riders. Its destruction in 2017 led to a division in the region, impacting the sense of community.
The Véloroute Péninsule Acadienne, a trail network spanning over 600 km from Neguac to Lamèque and Rivière-du-Nord, was significantly affected by the bridge’s loss. Approximately 70 km of the trail was paved in 2018, linking various municipalities and businesses.
Following the fire, residents had to detour onto Highway 113, the main road in Inkerman, raising concerns about road safety. Recently, MP Serge Cormier announced the long-awaited funding of $12 million, bringing relief to the community after years of effort to rebuild the bridge.
A local group, the bridge committee, raised around $5 million through fundraising initiatives post-fire, with funds from Chase the Ace lotteries. Despite delays, progress was made after a funding request was submitted to the federal government last year.
While the bridge is owned by the province, it is yet to confirm its financial commitment to the rebuild. Discussions and planning are underway to determine the provincial funding, with hopes that the remaining $6 million will be provided to complete the estimated $18 million project.
The rebuilt bridge, spanning 500 meters, will utilize non-wood materials to prevent future fire incidents. The infrastructure aims to cater to the growing cyclist tourism economy in northern New Brunswick, benefiting from the trail’s usage by approximately 174,000 people annually.
Construction timelines are pending, allowing local companies to bid on the project. The trail will accommodate ATVs and snowmobiles during winter, while walkers and cyclists can enjoy it throughout the rest of the year.
