Future of abandoned Miramichi bridge remains uncertain

The Morrissy Bridge in Miramichi may have closed 15 years ago, but visit the structure today and you'll see pedestrians, cyclists and anglers sidestepping the signs and barricades that attempt to bar access — even though there are other bridges in the area.

"It's a shortcut," laughed a motorcyclist after driving across the Morrissy.

The continued use is argument enough to restore and renew the abandoned bridge, according to advocates who want to turn it into something special in this community, about 145 kilometres north of Moncton.

Construction started in 1913 on the steel bridge that stretches around 430 metres across the Miramichi River.

Named for local politician John Morrissy, it was finished in November of 1914 and connected the former town of Newcastle to communities on the other side of the river at Chatham Head. 

And it was was built with a swinging span that would open to allow ships to continue upriver.

In 2008, the province's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure closed the bridge to all traffic because of "structural deficiencies" following an inspection. 

It was supposed to be torn down, but since then various groups have continued to make the argument that it be repurposed, using Fredericton's Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge as an example. 

"I'd like to see it treated the same as the decommissioned bridge in Fredericton and become a walking bridge that connects the community, not only for walking, but for snowmobiles and four-wheelers — a safe crossing," said John McKay, a former mayor of Miramichi and former Liberal MLA.

He's been trying to convince different levels of government to fund its restoration.

The city is game, but wants to focus on it's trail system first, said Mayor Adam Lordon.

"It is in our active transportation plan that the City of Miramichi would like see the Morrissy Bridge renewed for the purposes the user groups are requesting," Lordon said in an email.

"However, our plan calls for the development of the River Loop (North and South spine) first, build up some trails and then with the completed river loop, help build momentum for their use in the community."

Lordon said the city would be "supportive of a project to renew the Morrissy Bridge for those purposes," but it would be up to the province to secure the funding.