Church Cross Bridge to be Replaced

The Nova Scotia government is replacing the Church Cross Bridge in Middle River, Victoria Co. Transportation and Public Works Minister Ron Russell announced the bridge replacement today at a meeting with residents held in the community.

"It has become clear that the loss of the bridge has had, and will have, a negative impact on this community," said Mr. Russell. "We have a responsibility to ensure safe and reliable links are maintained in communities, particularly when they play an integral role in holding a community together."

The minister acknowledged that meetings between department staff and members of the community were respectful and productive in establishing that replacing the structure is a high priority.

The community's committee chair, Chuck Thompson, says that from the outset, the people of Middle River were committed to a constructive approach.

"I think overall this is a victory for process and proof government can be responsive even in hard times," he said. "We feel a deep sense of gratitude to all those involved for making the time to come to our community and accepting the people's argument."

The new bridge will be a steel-panel lane-and-a-half structure estimated to cost $400,000. It will replace an old bridge damaged when struck by a snow plow last February. Survey and design work, along with the permit application process, will begin immediately. The bridge is expected to be completed this fall.