"The dilapidated North Bridge cover is temporarily closed"
The picturesque Poirier Covered Bridge in Notre-Dame, New Brunswick, has been closed since early July 2025, causing concern among local residents who rely on it for access to outdoor activities and raising questions about emergency services accessibility.
Built in 1942 and standing over the Cocagne River, the bridge has been a popular spot for taking wedding and graduation photos. However, its deteriorating condition has led to its closure, and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI) is currently reviewing options for its future.
Ginette LeBlanc, a local resident, has expressed concern about the lack of information regarding whether the bridge will be fixed, replaced, or torn down. She pointed out areas where the wood on the bridge has rotted, suggesting it could be repaired by the province. LeBlanc is not alone in her quest for answers; Shane Fitzsimmons, another local resident, has also been seeking clarification about the bridge's future.
Fitzsimmons highlighted the impact of the bridge closure on four-wheeling activities, snowmobiling, and property access. Robert Babineau, a business owner near the bridge, faces increased travel time and costs due to the road closure.
The DTI has stated that they will soon install guiderails on both sides of the bridge for public safety. In the meantime, improvements to detour roads have been made for better access to the area around the bridge.
Meanwhile, the Shepody River #3 Covered Bridge near Riverside-Albert is being replaced with a single-lane modular bridge. The William Mitton Bridge in Riverview was torn down in February due to deterioration, and currently, there are no specific plans or estimates for the repair, replacement, or demolition of the Poirier Covered Bridge.
The Covered Bridges Association of Brunswick is working to arrange a meeting with provincial officials to discuss the bridge's future. However, no specific financial estimates or decisions regarding its fate have been publicly disclosed yet. For precise information on cost estimates or future plans, contacting local authorities or the Covered Bridges Association directly would be advisable.
It is worth noting that the Covered Bridges Conservation Association of New Brunswick stated that there were once 343 covered bridges in New Brunswick during the 1950s, but only 58 remain. A modular bridge will also be constructed next to the Wheaton Covered Bridge in Sackville, but is not expected to be ready until late 2026.
As the community waits for updates on the Poirier Covered Bridge, LeBlanc and Fitzsimmons continue to seek answers about its future. The bridge, which stands as a testament to the region's history and charm, is more than just a bridge; it is a symbol of the community's resilience and spirit.
News about the Poirier Covered Bridge's future is yet to be decided in the finance industry, as no specific plans or estimates have been publicly disclosed. Meanwhile, the video industry may capture the community's resilience and quest for answers, as LeBlanc and Fitzsimmons continue to seek news about the bridge's fate.
