After nearly nine years, plans are in motion to rebuild the Inkerman bridge, a crucial link in the Acadian Peninsula’s trail system, thanks to $12 million in funding from the federal government and the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission. The federal government is contributing $11 million, with an additional $1 million coming from the regional service commission. The province has not yet committed any funding to the project.
The bridge, which spanned nearly 500 meters over Inkerman Lake, connected the communities of Tracadie and Shippigan and was heavily utilized by pedestrians, cyclists, snowmobilers, and ATV riders. The fire that destroyed the bridge in 2017 not only physically divided the region but also disrupted the sense of community.
The Véloroute Péninsule Acadienne, a network of over 600 km of trails linking coastal communities from Neguac to Lamèque and Rivière-du-Nord, had a significant portion disrupted by the bridge’s destruction. Approximately 70 km of the Véloroute was paved in 2018, connecting multiple municipalities and businesses.
Residents have been forced to detour onto Highway 113 since the fire, raising concerns about road safety. Recently, about 300 residents, including many cyclists, gathered in Inkerman for the announcement of the funding by Serge Cormier, the local Member of Parliament.
A local group, known as the bridge committee, raised around $5 million through fundraising efforts, including Chase the Ace lotteries, since the fire. Some of these funds were used to construct new trails, with a remaining balance of $2-3 million. Despite initial delays, progress has finally been made to rebuild the bridge, with the federal government receiving a funding request last year.
While the federal government and regional service commission have committed $12 million, the province, which owns the bridge, has yet to confirm its financial contribution. Discussions and planning are ongoing to determine the province’s funding stance.
The rebuild project, estimated at $18 million, is expected to use materials other than wood to prevent future fire incidents. Cormier expressed confidence in the province providing the remaining $6 million for the project. The trail, which saw 174,000 users last year, is anticipated to boost the region’s cycling tourism economy.
No specific construction start date has been provided, as the goal is to allow local companies time to bid on the project. The rebuilt bridge will not be made of wood to mitigate fire risks and will accommodate various users throughout the year, including ATVs, snowmobiles, walkers, and cyclists.
