Nearly a decade following a fire that destroyed a crucial link in the recreational trail system of the Acadian Peninsula, plans are in motion to reconstruct the Inkerman bridge. The project will receive a total of $12 million in funding 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 coming from the regional service commission. As of now, the province has not committed any funding to the initiative.
The former 500-meter trail bridge over Inkerman Lake, connecting Tracadie and Shippigan, served various users, including pedestrians, cyclists, snowmobilers, and ATV enthusiasts. Its destruction in a fire in 2017 not only physically divided the area but also disrupted the sense of community.
The Véloroute Péninsule Acadienne, a 600-km trail network spanning coastal communities from Neguac to Lamèque and Rivière-du-Nord, saw a significant impact due to the bridge incident. Approximately 70 km of the trail was paved in 2018, linking multiple municipalities and businesses.
Residents have been forced to detour onto Highway 113, the primary road in Inkerman, since the bridge’s destruction, raising concerns about road safety. Recently, about 300 residents gathered in Inkerman to hear the announcement of the long-awaited funding by Serge Cormier, the member of Parliament for the area.
A portion of the funding for the reconstruction is expected to come from a local group that initiated fundraising efforts post-fire. Known as the bridge committee, they have raised around $5 million through Chase the Ace lotteries since 2017. A significant portion of this sum has been utilized to develop new trails along the route. Despite facing challenges and delays, progress is finally being made towards rebuilding the bridge.
Although the Inkerman bridge is owned by the province, it is yet to confirm its financial support for the reconstruction. Discussions and planning are underway, and the government is collaborating with partners to advance the project. The estimated cost of the bridge stands at $18 million, with $12 million already secured from the federal government and regional service commission.
Serge Cormier is optimistic that the remaining $6 million will be provided by the province. The bridge, set to be constructed using non-wood materials this time, aims to prevent a recurrence of the 2017 incident. The trail, catering to various users, will contribute to the region’s tourism economy, particularly in cycling. Construction timelines are yet to be finalized to allow local companies to participate in the bidding process.
The reconstructed bridge will be accessible to ATVs and snowmobiles during most of the winter, while walkers and cyclists will have access for the rest of the year.