'It's a shame': Residents want Hammond River covered bridge saved

After learning that the Hammond River No. 2 covered bridge in Quispamsis may have to be torn down because of extensive wood rot, some local residents say they want the province to find a way to save it.

"Definitelythere aren't that many in the province left and I think it's nice," said Gail Marr. "I think it's a shame to tear everything down."

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister BillFrasertold residents at a meeting July 25 the bridge was declaredstructurally unsound after wood rot was found underneath.

The department now has to decide if it will install a modular bridge next to the covered bridge or tear down the covered bridge and put the modular bridge in its place.

Gone forever

Frasertold peoplewho attended the community meeting the first option would takelonger than the second.

There is noset time frame for option one, thesecond option is early 2018.

Nearby residentKyleTayessaid hewants to see the bridge saved but knows others are impatient for something to be done.

"The majority of the people still want the bridge to be saved, but they don't want to wait," he said. "Unfortunately that means losing this bridge. And once it's gone, that means it's gone forever, and that's my main concern."

• Hammond River covered bridge repairs will begin in 'immediate future'

Damaged in October

The 105-year-old bridge, located on Route 860 at the end of French Village Road, was damaged on Oct.5 whena contractor hired by the Transportation Department to conduct repairs drove a13-tonneexcavator loaded with lumber across it.

The excavator crashed through and remained suspended between the bridge and embankment below for several days before it could be safely removed.

• Hammond River covered bridge to be repaired, says Bill Fraser

After consulting the community, the province agreed to repair the bridge rather than replace it. Work began in May.