A bridge closure in North Shore is causing travel disruptions along Trunk 6, a vital route connecting rural communities in Cumberland and Colchester counties. The Upham Bridge in Bayhead, N.S., was closed by the Department of Public Works for repairs following an annual inspection, with no set reopening date. A detour spanning approximately 20 kilometers through varying dirt road conditions has been established.
Tom Taggart, the MLA for Colchester North, mentioned that the closure stemmed from issues with the bridge’s wooden piles, forming its foundation and supporting its weight. While considering options like weight limit reductions and single-lane traffic flow, safety concerns led to the decision against such measures.
The province is contemplating the installation of a panel bridge, commonly known as a bailey bridge, as an interim solution while working on permanent repairs. Repairing or completely replacing the bridge are among the potential strategies being considered. Efforts are also underway to enhance the detour route by clearing brush, adding gravel, and implementing dust control measures.
Colchester Coun. Sherry Martell intends to urge the council to prioritize repairs through a formal letter to the province, emphasizing the impact on emergency response times and trade routes. Concerns about safety, vehicle damage, increased fuel expenses, and implications for school transportation have been expressed by over 250 individuals, according to Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, the Independent MLA for Cumberland North.
Smith-McCrossin highlighted challenges faced by the Department of Public Works in keeping up with repair demands, causing delays in addressing critical infrastructure issues. The absence of a definite timeline for the bridge’s reopening has raised uncertainties within the community, underscoring the need for clear and factual progress updates from authorities.