Stone Ridge Bridge Will Not be Replaced

WGN 55-15-08

 

Stone Ridge, New Brunswick, November 21, 2008 - The Province of New Brunswick has decided not to replace the historic Stone Ridge Bridge which was destroyed by a blaze the local fire officials are calling suspicious.

Local residents are deeply concerned about the loss of the bridge as winter weather approaches. It provided an option for motorists wishing to avoid the Morehouse Corner Hill, a treacherous slope that's difficult to navigate in wet weather. In the past, the hill has been impassible to school buses as well as other traffic.

Transportation Minister Denis Landry said the cost of erecting a single-lane bridge would be at least $275,000. The transportation Department had contacted emergency services, police and school officials before making the decision. "All of the service providers indicated to us that the bridge wouldn't affect the service given to the public," the minister said.

Stone Ridge residents plan to fight the decision.

The Keswick Valley volunteer fire department responded to the fire at about 10 p.m. Friday, October 10. The bridge was fully engulfed by flames at that time and collapsed just as fire crews arrived at the scene.

The 126-foot bridge was built in 1914 to cross the Keswick River using a Howe truss.

From a count of 340 covered bridges in New Brunswick 60 years ago, 63 remain, partly due to fire and vandalism.