News Release

ZEALAND (CNB) – A replacement of the Upper Stone Ridge Covered Bridge was officially opened today thanks to an investment by the provincial and federal governments.

The opening was attended by York North MLA Kirk MacDonald and Tobique-Mactaquac MP Mike Allen. The structure, located on the Upper Stone Ridge Road close to five kilometres from Route 104, restores a link to Morehouse Corner.

“Today's celebration shows the importance of maintaining key infrastructure in all corners of our province, including rural New Brunswick," said MacDonald. "The Province of New Brunswick is proud to partner with the federal government in this most important community project."

MacDonald was speaking on behalf of Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams.

"Losing the Upper Stone Ridge covered bridge as a link between Burtts Corner and Morehouse Corner was a difficult experience for local residents," said Allen. "Our government is proud to have partnered with the Province of New Brunswick to help rebuild this important bridge, which will contribute once again to the quality of life of all residents."

Allen was speaking on behalf of Chuck Strahl, federal minister of transport, infrastructure and communities.

The project involved replacing the historic Upper Stone Ridge Covered Bridge, built in 1914 and destroyed by fire in October 2008. It was the last covered bridge to span the Keswick River.

Department of Transportation crews assembled and installed a new modular panel bridge, finishing five weeks ahead of schedule. The structure will reduce travel time to destinations across the river and ensure that emergency responders and school buses will once again have a direct connection to homes on both sides of the river.

The federal government is contributing $180,000 under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, with a matching contribution from the provincial government. The total eligible cost is $360,000.

As part of the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is funding about 4,000 infrastructure projects across the country. Overall, the federal government has invested $91 million toward 59 projects under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund across New Brunswick.