Nearly a decade following the destruction of the Inkerman bridge, a critical link in the Acadian Peninsula’s recreational trail system, plans are in place for its reconstruction. The project, with a total cost of $12 million, is being funded by the federal government and the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission. The federal government is contributing $11 million, while the regional service commission is adding $1 million. Notably, the province has not yet committed any funding to the project.
The Inkerman bridge, spanning nearly 500 meters over Inkerman Lake and connecting Tracadie and Shippigan, was a popular route for walkers, cyclists, snowmobilers, and ATV riders. Its destruction 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 km of trails linking coastal communities from Neguac to Lamèque and Rivière-du-Nord, saw approximately 70 km of its trail paved in 2018, facilitating connections between various municipalities and businesses.
Residents, particularly cyclists, have been forced to take a detour onto Highway 113 since the bridge was lost, raising concerns about road safety. The announcement of the long-awaited funding, totaling $12 million, was made by Serge Cormier, the Member of Parliament for the area, during a gathering of around 300 residents in Inkerman.
A significant portion of the funding for the bridge rebuild is expected to come from a local group that initiated fundraising efforts post-fire. The group, known as the bridge committee, raised approximately $5 million through Chase the Ace lotteries since 2017. While some of these funds were utilized to develop new trails, there remains between $2 million and $3 million in their coffers.
Despite the progress made, the province, as the owner of the Inkerman bridge, has not yet confirmed its financial contribution to the project. Discussions and planning are ongoing, with the hope that the remaining $6 million needed for the project will be provided by the province.
Serge Cormier emphasized the importance of the infrastructure for northern New Brunswick, highlighting the trail’s role in promoting cyclist tourism in the region. The rebuild is set to feature a new 500-meter bridge constructed from a non-wood material, aiming to prevent a repeat of the 2017 fire incident.
The trail will be accessible to ATVs and snowmobiles during most of the winter season, while walkers and cyclists will have priority access throughout the rest of the year. Construction timelines have not been specified, as local companies will be given the opportunity to bid on the project. This move is intended to involve local businesses in the rebuild process and support the regional economy.
