News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Construction is ready to start on the new Vaughan Creek Covered Bridge in St. Martins. The span will provide residents and visitors with an improved transportation link while preserving a significant piece of the region’s heritage.

“Investing in safe and reliable transportation infrastructure has a positive impact on our economy and our quality of life,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Jill Green. “St. Martins is an important community and a major tourism attraction, where people from around the world visit each year. We are building a more resilient wooden covered bridge that will accommodate large vehicles, such as tour buses, while maintaining an important centrepiece of the community for many years to come.”

The new 32-metre bridge will open in the summer of 2022.

“Covered bridges are an important part of our province’s heritage, tourism and recreation,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Tammy Scott-Wallace. “These improvements to the Vaughan Creek crossing will pay tribute to the original bridge’s historic character, improve safety, and provide many years of use by locals and visitors.”

The current modular bridge will remain in place during construction and be removed once the new covered bridge is built. The department is working with First Nations and regulatory agencies to finalize permits for the project.