About four months after the closure of one of New Brunswick’s historic covered bridges, the province still doesn’t have a definitive plan on what will happen with the century-old structure.
“The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI) understands the impact of this closure in the area and appreciates the public’s patience while staff identify the best option for the bridge going forward,” said spokesperson Jacob MacDonald, in an email.
He said structural damage on the Wheaton Covered Bridge, which was identified during a summer inspection, “requires a well-planned solution.”
Wheaton Bridge, on High Marsh Road, in the newly amalgamated municipality of Tantramar, was built in 1916 and is still used regularly by residents.
But in July, when barricades were put up and detours put in place, residents became concerned.
And that concern has continued to grown for Elita Rahn, the owner of Jolicure Farm, near Sackville.
“It’s a significant detour for farmers,” she said, referring to some who have had to take up to an hour longer to transport hay because of the detour.
And Rahn said people are also upset at the thought of losing the bridge.
“People are affected by it in a very emotional way, like, it’s very significant in terms of sentimentality.”
Rahn said she hasn’t heard anything besides rumours about what will happen but she wants to see the bridge preserved, which is why she started a petition that has garnered nearly 1,000 signatures.
Even preserving it as part of a trail, or using it as a crossing for small vehicles, such a tractors or ATVs, would be worthwhile, she said.
“It’s not just an old wooden bridge,” she said.
“It inspires people. I mean, no one’s going to get inspired to write a poem or take their picture on a concrete bridge.
“This is part of New Brunswick’s heritage. It’s our identity. … It might be just a simple covered bridge but really it’s a bond that people have with our province.”