Community group trying to save Little Bouctouche River amid bridge replacement plans

The bridge crossing the Little Bouctouche River on Highway 134 is beyond its lifespan, and in need of repair or replacement.

The New Brunswick Department of Transportation is looking into building a new one, however the Broken River Association, a local group concerned about the health and restoration of the Little Bouctouche River, want the government to look at other options.

“The proposed replacement is currently going through the planning phases, including an environmental impact assessment (EIA),” said department spokesperson Sarah Bustard in a statement.

“The existing 88-metre structure was built in 1940,  is nearing the end of its service life and is in need of replacement. The proposed new bridge will span 105 metres and provide an additional 0.5 metres of vertical clearance at the area of the navigational channel.”

The Broken River Association says the current bridge and causeway has caused the river to deteriorate.

“We have a report that says that the eel grass is dying, and that’s an indication that a river is dying,” said Robert Buck, a representative of the Broken River Association.

“If they go ahead with this bridge and build it the same length, the river is going to silt and more, and the river is going to die completely.”

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The department says the proposed bridge replacement option is not set in stone, the plan depends on the results of the EIA, however they’re confident it wouldn’t negatively impact the river.

“The department has completed a planning study to determine the appropriate bridge replacement option that would not have a negative impact on the river in the vicinity of the bridge,” Bustard said.