Nearly a decade following the destruction of the Inkerman bridge, a crucial connection in the Acadian Peninsula’s trail system, plans are underway to reconstruct it with a substantial $12 million funding injection 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. Notably, the province has yet to confirm its financial support for the project.
The Inkerman bridge, spanning nearly 500 meters over Inkerman Lake, previously linked Tracadie and Shippigan, catering to pedestrians, cyclists, snowmobilers, and ATV enthusiasts. Its destruction in 2017 not only physically divided the region but also severed a sense of community. Danielle Savoie, chair of the board for the Véloroute Péninsule Acadienne, expressed the impact of the bridge’s loss on the Véloroute, a 600-km trail network connecting coastal communities from Neguac to Lamèque and Rivière-du-Nord, 70 km of which were paved in 2018.
Residents have resorted to using Highway 113 as a detour since the fire, sparking concerns about road safety. A recent announcement by Serge Cormier, the area’s Member of Parliament, during a gathering of around 300 residents, unveiled the awaited funding for the bridge’s reconstruction. Cormier commended the persistence of local groups, notably the bridge committee, which raised approximately $5 million through fundraising efforts post-fire.
Despite the prolonged delays, progress has now been kickstarted with the federal government’s commitment. Cormier remains optimistic that the province will chip in the remaining $6 million needed for the estimated $18 million project. He emphasized the importance of investing in the region’s infrastructure for the benefit of the local community and the growing cyclist tourism sector.
The reconstruction project is set to introduce a new 500-meter bridge structure, moving away from wood to prevent a repeat of the 2017 fire incident. While a specific construction commencement date was not disclosed, Cormier highlighted the intention to allow local companies ample time to participate in the bidding process. The revitalized trail, catering to various recreational users, aims to further boost the economic potential of cyclist tourism in northern New Brunswick.