Editorial: Finalize new Centennial Bridge closure timeline

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After years of delays, the latest of which came nine months ago, it’s unacceptable the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure still hasn’t set a new Centennial Bridge closure timeline.

The extended closure of the 57-year-old span scheduled for May was postponed to this year. When Brunswick News asked if a new timeline has been set, DTI’s response was staff will meet with the City of Miramichi to discuss the 2024 closure plans and release them when they’re finalized, with no word on when that will happen.

The $120-million rehabilitation project on the Centennial has been ongoing since 2012. The pending closures to allow for the deck and sidewalk replacement has repeatedly been kicked down the road. We understand large infrastructure projects have many moving parts, but the frequent delays haven’t changed the need for the upgrades, and costs have only increased.

This project has been dragging on for far too long. Attempting to plan around bridge shutdowns and the looming traffic crunch on King George Highway has also created challenges for city officials to schedule municipal infrastructure upgrades.

In addition, motorists and emergency crews need a firm date for when the bridge will be out of service so they can adjust their commutes and operations accordingly.

DTI’s pattern of delays and keeping the public in the dark on when the Centennial will close is doing citizens in Miramichi and across northern New Brunswick a disservice. The province needs to set a new closure timeline, announce it to the public, and make every effort to stick to it without any more delays.