Options for addressing the closure of Sackville's covered bridge in New Brunswick.
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI) revealed its plans to construct a modular bridge next to Sackville, New Brunswick's Wheaton Covered Bridge. Built in 1916 and closed since July 2024 due to structural concerns, residents and local farmers have been affected by the closure.
Jacob MacDonald, a DTI spokesperson, stated that the department recognizes the bridge's significance as a transportation link and is working expeditiously to erect the modular bridge. However, the new bridge may not be installed before Fall 2026.
Local farmers, who rely on the bridge daily, have expressed their frustration with the closure. Megan Mitton, the MLA for Memramcook-Tantramar, has advocated for a solution that preserves the bridge's heritage while addressing the community's need for a crossing over the river. Mitton believes the new bridge will meet both requirements.
Upon the installation of the modular bridge, residents, farmers, and first responders should be able to safely cross the river, as per Mitton. Mitton has also suggested converting the 109-year-old structure into a pedestrian and cyclist bridge once the modular bridge is in place. She has discussed this idea with Isabelle Thériault, the Minister of Tourism, Heritage, and Culture, who is also responsible for active transportation.
The covered bridge will remain closed to both traffic and pedestrians, with a detour route maintained to redirect traffic around the closure. Community members can follow updates on the bridge's status and other New Brunswick news by visiting the dedicated provincial page on the News App.
In the light of the plans to construct a modular bridge, residents and local farmers can potentially find an alternative route for their daily transportation as the covered bridge will remain closed. Once the modular bridge is installed, it might also serve as a pedestrian and cyclist bridge, preserving the heritage of the 109-year-old structure, as Megan Mitton, the MLA for Memramcook-Tantramar, suggests. She has conveyed this idea to Isabelle Thériault, the Minister of Tourism, Heritage, and Culture, who is also responsible for active transportation.
