TRAFFIC NOTICE: Closure of Hardscrabble Covered Bridge

A Message from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI)

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI) is advising the public of the closure of the Hardscrabble covered bridge in St. Martins in the interest of public safety due to its deteriorated condition. 

Access for pedestrians will be maintained. This decision follows a recent inspection and monitoring data from the bridge. A detour around the structure will be available through Yeomans Road and Big Salmon River Road. DTI has recently evaluated the condition of Yeomans Road and is planning to make additional improvements soon.  This closure is included in NB511 ( https://511.gnb.ca ).

Planning for the replacement structure has recently been initiated by the Department. At this time, this project is currently not included on our long-term capital plan but as we move through planning, we will be able to better define timelines for construction. At this point construction is at a minimum a couple of years down the road and will depend on future DTI capital budgets.

The Department realizes the importance of this covered bridge to the community and understands the impacts of closing a structure to vehicles.