Unstable bridge in the Gasp could damage telecom fibre optic cables

CBC has confirmed that Telustelecom cables that serve1,000 customers arethreatened by an unstable bridge in the Gasp.

The bridge over the Grand Cascapdia River in New Richmond has been closed to traffic since Monday because a support pillar shifted significantly in the heavy current.

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The Telusfibreoptic cables, which providetelevision and internet services, rununder the bridge.

The company says over the past days crews have worked to ensure clients will not be affected.

"Over the last few days, ourcrews have proactively worked to ensure that if the bridge and our infrastructure is damaged by the flood, service to our customers will not be affected," said spokespersonSteve Beisswanger.

The Transport Ministry says it is possible the unstable pillar could collapse completely.

"The work that was done is to prevent a disruption even if the bridge collapses," saidBeisswanger.