Kouchibouguac River Bridge #1 after Hurricane Dorian (Photo by Marc LeBlanc)
A modular bridge will replace the now-closed Kouchibouguac River Bridge Number 1 between Shediac and Cap-Pele on Route 133.
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure says planning will begin this month and installation is expected to be completed before spring, weather permitting.
DTI says a modular bridge is the fastest and safest way to restore the link and a long-term plan is being developed.
The existing bridge has been closed since September 20 following damage from Hurricane Dorian.
Structural issues included the significant loss of concrete from the underside of the deck at critical areas which directly impact the strength of the bridge.
DTI staff determined it’s not possible to open the structure at this time due to the possibility of the bridge collapsing.
Route 15 must be used as a detour around the site.
The province has secured funding for the modular bridge through a disaster financial assistance arrangement with the federal government.
