Nearly a decade following the destruction of the Inkerman bridge, a vital connector in the Acadian Peninsula’s trail system, plans are underway to reconstruct the bridge with a total of $12 million in financial backing from the federal government and the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission. Of this amount, the federal government is contributing $11 million, while the regional service commission is allocating $1 million. The province has not yet committed to providing funding for the project.
The bridge, which spanned nearly 500 meters over Inkerman Lake, served as a key pathway for pedestrians, cyclists, snowmobilers, and ATV riders traveling between Tracadie and Shippigan. The loss of the bridge in a fire in 2017 not only physically divided the region but also disrupted the sense of community.
The Véloroute Péninsule Acadienne, a network of over 600 kilometers of trails connecting coastal communities from Neguac to Lamèque and Rivière-du-Nord, was significantly affected by the bridge’s destruction. In 2018, approximately 70 kilometers of the trail were paved, establishing connections between various municipalities and businesses.
Since the incident, residents have been forced to detour onto Highway 113, the main thoroughfare in Inkerman, raising concerns about road safety. A gathering in Inkerman saw around 300 residents, predominantly cyclists, convene as Serge Cormier, the local Member of Parliament, announced the awaited funding for the bridge reconstruction.
A local group, known as the bridge committee, initiated fundraising efforts post-fire and managed to raise approximately $5 million through Chase the Ace lotteries since 2017. While some of these funds were utilized to develop new trails, a substantial amount remains available for the bridge rebuild.
Despite the lengthy delay in progress, the federal government only received a funding request for the bridge reconstruction last year, nine years after its destruction. The commitment of the community and local groups involved in advocating for the bridge’s revival was acknowledged by Cormier and Savoie.
Although the Inkerman bridge falls under provincial ownership, the province is yet to confirm its financial contribution towards the reconstruction. Discussions and planning are deemed necessary before any potential funding commitment can be made.
Cormier expressed confidence that the remaining $6 million needed for the project, in addition to the $12 million already secured from government sources, will be provided by the province. The rebuild, estimated to cost $18 million in 2025, is aimed at enhancing infrastructure in northern New Brunswick and supporting the burgeoning cyclist tourism economy in the region.
The reconstructed bridge, expected to be 500 meters long and composed of a non-wood material, aims to prevent a recurrence of the 2017 fire incident. It is anticipated that the trail will cater to a significant number of users, including walkers, cyclists, ATV riders, and snowmobilers, with the construction timeline yet to be specified.