Nearly a decade after a fire ruined an essential part of the recreational trail system in the Acadian Peninsula, plans are in place to reconstruct the Inkerman bridge with a total of $12 million in financial support from both the federal government and the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission. The federal government is contributing $11 million, while the regional service commission is adding another $1 million. The provincial government’s commitment to funding remains pending.
The Inkerman bridge, which spanned nearly 500 meters over Inkerman Lake connecting Tracadie and Shippigan, served as a vital route for pedestrians, cyclists, snowmobilers, and ATV riders. Following its destruction by fire in 2017, the local community felt a significant loss as the Véloroute was severed, causing a disruption in connectivity.
The Véloroute, a network of over 600 km of trails linking coastal communities from Neguac to Lamèque and Rivière-du-Nord, underwent significant development in 2018 with the paving of approximately 70 km of trails, facilitating connections between various municipalities and businesses.
Residents have been compelled to detour onto Highway 113 since the fire, bypassing the lake in Inkerman. This alteration in route has raised concerns among residents regarding road safety.
During a gathering in Inkerman, which drew about 300 residents, including numerous cyclists, Serge Cormier, the local Member of Parliament, announced the long-awaited funding for the bridge reconstruction. Cormier expressed relief at the progress made after years of dedication to the project, emphasizing the perseverance of the involved groups.
A local committee, known as the bridge committee, initiated fundraising efforts post-fire, generating around $5 million through Chase the Ace lotteries since 2017. Some of these funds were utilized to establish new trails, with a remaining balance of $2-3 million earmarked for the project.
Despite the federal government’s recent commitment, the provincial government, which owns the bridge, has not confirmed its financial contribution to the reconstruction. Discussions and planning are deemed necessary before any concrete funding commitments can be made, as emphasized by Isabelle Thériault, the province’s tourism minister.
The rebuild is expected to feature a new 500-meter bridge constructed using a material other than wood to mitigate fire risks. Cormier estimated the project cost at $18 million during the last assessment in 2025. With $12 million secured from federal and regional sources, Cormier is optimistic about the province providing the remaining $6 million.
The enhanced trail infrastructure is envisioned to enhance the burgeoning cycling tourism economy in northern New Brunswick, benefiting from the anticipated rise in trail users. Construction timelines are yet to be confirmed, with a focus on involving local companies in the bidding process and facilitating their participation in the project.
The new bridge will be designed to accommodate ATVs and snowmobiles during winter months, while prioritizing walkers and cyclists for the majority of the year.