Nearly a decade after a fire destroyed the Inkerman bridge, an essential link in the recreational trail network of the Acadian Peninsula, plans are in motion for its reconstruction. The project is receiving $12 million in funding, with $11 million contributed by the federal government and an additional $1 million from the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission. The province has not yet committed any funding.
The bridge, spanning nearly 500 meters over Inkerman Lake and connecting Tracadie and Shippigan, was a popular route for walkers, cyclists, snowmobilers, and ATV riders before it was engulfed in flames in 2017. This incident not only physically divided the region but also disrupted the sense of community.
Danielle Savoie, chair of the board for the Véloroute Péninsule Acadienne, expressed the impact of the bridge’s destruction on the Véloroute, a network of over 600 km of trails linking coastal communities from Neguac to Lamèque and Rivière-du-Nord. Approximately 70 km of the trail was paved in 2018, enhancing connectivity among municipalities and businesses.
Since the fire, residents have been forced to detour onto Highway 113, the main roadway in Inkerman, raising concerns about road safety. The announcement of the long-awaited funding, made by Serge Cormier, the Member of Parliament for the region, brought relief to the community after years of advocacy for the bridge’s reconstruction.
A significant portion of the funding will come from a local group, the bridge committee, which raised around $5 million through fundraising efforts, including Chase the Ace lotteries since 2017. Despite initial delays in progress, the federal government finally received a funding request last year, prompting the recent commitment.
While the federal government and regional service commission have committed $12 million, Cormier is optimistic that the province will provide the remaining $6 million needed for the estimated $18 million bridge project. The reconstruction will involve a new 500-meter bridge made of non-wood material to prevent a repeat of the 2017 fire incident.
The trail’s popularity, with approximately 174,000 users last year, underscores its importance for local tourism and economy, particularly in cycling tourism. Cormier emphasized the project’s potential to support the region’s economic growth and attract more visitors.
Although a specific construction start date was not provided, Cormier highlighted the intention to allow local companies ample time to bid on the project. Notably, the rebuilt bridge will not be made of wood to enhance durability and safety. The trail will remain accessible to ATVs and snowmobiles during winter, with exclusive access for walkers and cyclists during other seasons.