Eel Creek Bridge in Cumberland County Officially Opened

A modern, two-lane concrete bridge that provides improved service to travellers west of Pugwash was officially opened today, Aug. 19.

The new Eel Creek Bridge on Route 301 is 60 metres long and cost $2.7 million to build. It replaces a single-lane bridge that had weight restrictions. Work on the new bridge started last summer. It was built by Alva Construction Ltd. of Antigonish.

"This bridge provides much improved service to travellers in Cumberland County," acting Transportation and Public Works Minister Michael Baker said today at a brief opening ceremony. "It is designed to withstand the demands of modern road transportation."

"Good roads are one of the key economic drivers for Nova Scotia," Economic Development Minister Ernest Fage said at the ceremony. "They are a vital element for tourism and allow goods to be distributed smoothly throughout the province."

The Department of Transportation and Public Works' highways division manages more than 23,000 kilometres of roads in Nova Scotia. It maintains 4,100 bridges and operates seven provincial ferries. Staff provide services from offices in Bridgewater, Bedford, Truro and Sydney.