Only 61 covered bridges remaining in New Brunswick

The recent torching of the Stormdale (Mangum) Covered Bridge leaves only 61 of these beautiful rural New Brunswick landmarks in the province.

Charred remains of the Stormdale Covered Bridge. (CBC News Image)

Stormdale Covered Bridge in 2010.

At the turn of the 20th century, there were over 300 covered bridges standing in New Brunswick. As of today (2011), only 61 are remaining. According to the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick (PANB), approximately 85 covered bridges were lost from 1970 to 2004 due to fires, heavy winds, spring freshets or other causes. PDF files can be viewed on the PANB website about bridge losses. 

http://www.archives.gnb.ca/Exhibits/CoveredBridges/Introduction.aspx?culture=en-CA

The Stormdale Covered Bridge is the second structure of its type to be destroyed by arson in Carleton County in the past two years. The Adair Covered Bridge in Cloverdale was torched in October of 2009. 

Adair Covered Bridge in early spring of 2009.

October 19, 2009 Bugle-Observer article

In 2002, the Department of Transportation (DoT) spent $200,000 in upgrades to the bridge. Of the 61 covered bridges remaining in the province, 58 are owned and maintained by the DoT, and three are maintained by private interests. They include two in Fundy National Park, and one at Magnetic Hill which is maintained by the City of Moncton.