A New Brunswick woman who was stranded for 10 days after flooding washed out a bridge to her home says she feels free now that a walking bridge has been built.
Mary Ann Coleman of Waterford, N.B., in the southeast of the province, lost her bridge after a storm on Dec. 1 flooded Trout Creek, which runs along the front of her property.
She said debris in the creek dammed a Department of Transportation culvert that was installed in 2019, and the rising waters washed away her bridge.
Coleman blames the design of the new culvert for creating a dam when debris collected in front of it.
Transportation Minister Jill Green offered little comment this week because Coleman has opened a claim against the province.
Coleman says family and friends have been able to visit since the temporary span was completed Friday night, but says a permanent bridge for vehicles is needed.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2020.