Vehicle traffic halted after provincial safety order
The Province of New Brunswick has closed the Hardscrabble Bridge in St. Martins to vehicles effective Friday, citing a “deteriorated condition” and safety risks. The decision, relayed through a statement shared by the Village of Fundy–St. Martins, came with virtually no advance notice to local leaders or residents. Mayor John Cairns said he learned of the barricades Friday morning, shortly before they went up across the structure spanning the Irish River.
“It made me feel a little bit upset that we didn't know earlier,” Cairns said Saturday. “I was shocked for the people because I believe you should tell the people and have them ready for what might happen.”
While motor vehicles are prohibited, pedestrians may still cross the covered bridge. The village has directed drivers to use Yeomans Road and Big Salmon River Road as a detour while the crossing remains restricted. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure did not provide a timeline for next steps in the statement posted by the municipality.
Detour conditions draw concern from local officials
Municipal officials say the alternate route is narrow and in poor repair, raising questions about the safe movement of both residents and emergency vehicles. Cairns warned that the pinch points on Yeomans Road could become hazardous if two larger vehicles meet.
He described a potential face-off between a firetruck and a car on the route as a “sketchy situation.”
According to the village, the province has indicated upgrades to the detour corridor will be undertaken “soon,” though no schedule has been published. In the meantime, drivers are being urged to slow down, give extra room when passing and allow additional travel time.
What residents need to know right now
- Bridge access: Closed to vehicles; open to foot traffic only.
- Detour in effect: Use Yeomans Road and Big Salmon River Road; expect tighter lanes and uneven surfaces.
- Emergency access: Officials have flagged constraints for large vehicles; caution is advised.
- Provincial plan: The village says improvements to the detour are planned, but no timeline has been released.
Key details at a glance
| Structure | Hardscrabble covered bridge (Irish River, St. Martins) |
|---|---|
| Status | Closed to vehicles; pedestrian access permitted |
| Reason | Provincial assessment of deteriorated condition |
| Notice | Closure announced and barricaded on Friday with minimal lead time |
| Detour | Via Yeomans Road and Big Salmon River Road |
| Next steps | Province intends to improve detour route; no schedule provided |
Community impact and next steps
The immediate shutdown has disrupted routine travel for residents who rely on the crossing, with drivers re-routed onto a more constrained road network. The changes are also prompting questions about response times for fire and ambulance services on peak days and during adverse weather. Local officials say they expect further guidance from the province on both the condition of the bridge and interim measures to bolster detour safety.
The Hardscrabble Bridge is among New Brunswick’s remaining heritage-style covered bridges, structures that draw local pride and visitor interest but also face age-related wear. The latest closure follows a pattern seen elsewhere in the province in recent years, where inspections have led to traffic restrictions or full shutdowns to address safety risks. In each case, municipalities have pressed for earlier communication and clearer contingency plans, particularly around emergency access and heavy-vehicle movements.
As of the weekend, there was no public timeline for repair, reinforcement or replacement options for Hardscrabble. The village has committed to sharing updates from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure as they become available. In the interim, road users are asked to respect the barricades, plan for detours, and watch for crews if rehabilitation work begins on the alternate route.
Residents seeking the detour map, temporary traffic advisories and any future notices can check the Village of Fundy–St. Martins website and social channels for the most current information.
