Stormdale Covered Bridge to be replaced by modular panel structure

Despite high hopes that a torched covered bridge would be rebuilt with a similar structure, the provincial government has opted to construct a modular panel bridge instead.

The Stormdale Covered Bridge (near Hartland) was destroyed by arson on August 13, 2011. The arson was a result of a stolen vehicle being torched inside the bridge.

Unlike most situations of a lost covered bridge, where the government doesn't replace the bridge or replaces it with a modular panel (or Bailey) bridge without questions asked, the government actually considered all available options in the case of the Stormdale Covered Bridge. They considered erecting another wooden covered structure, and the modular panel option was also considered. Costs, timing, and the affect on traffic in the area were also analyzed.

The Department of Transportation made the decision to replace the Stormdale bridge, which crossed the Becagumiac Stream at Stormdale, with a modular panel bridge due to the higher costs of constructing another covered bridge, the timing of the situation, and the difference in traffic restrictions.

On September 6, New Brunswick Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams paid a visit to the site of the Stormdale Covered Bridge along with Carleton MLA and Speaker of the Legislature Dale Graham to make public the government's decision for the bridge's replacement. Local residents joined Williams (second from left) and Graham (sixth from left) for the announcement. (CNB Image)

The Department of Transportation hopes to have the structure up and running sometime in November. Despite the government ruling out the reconstruction of the covered bridge, the residents are happy to have a bridge to cross the Becaguimac Stream. The only other way out of the area would be to take a detour of approximately 14 kilometres.