Old bridge being repurposed for off-road use

DTI minister says Anderson Bridge to be converted after replacement span opens

Dignitaries and off-road enthusiasts announced plans on Friday for the Anderson Bridge to be repurposed for off-road vehicles once the new bridge opens nearby on the Northwest Miramichi River. On hand for the announcement were (from left) Miramichi Bay-Neguac MLA Réjean Savoie, Quad NB president Ray Croft, Miramichi MLA Michelle Conroy, Southwest Miramichi-Bay du Vin MLA Mike Dawson, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Richard Ames, and Snowmobile NB past-president Brad Mann. (FREE PRESS PHOTO)

MIRAMICHI • An aging bridge on the city’s outskirts that was previously slated for demolition will soon be getting a new lease on life.

Plans were announced on Friday for the Anderson Bridge to be repurposed for all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles after the new bridge under construction on the Northwest Miramichi River opens nearby.

Provincial Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Richard Ames made the announcement before a small crowd of dignitaries and off-road enthusiasts gathered on the bridge’s north side.

“This is just great,” said Jacques Ouellette, development co-ordinator for Quad NB — which manages all ATV trails and promotes off-road activities in the province.

“This may be the most important announcement we’ve witnessed in our 25-year history. We’re working on multiple projects around the Miramichi area that will eventually be linked here [at the Anderson Bridge] when they are completed.”