News release

Government Invests in Trail Bridge Repairs

Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

The government is investing $1.2 million in a 10-kilometre multi-use woodland and lakeside trail outside Mahone Bay.

The funding will be used to help repair two bridges on the Dynamite Trail – Mush-a-Mush River Bridge and Martins River Bridge. The work will include stabilizing the base of both bridges, replacing mortar on the columns, refurbishing beams and replacing the decking.

“Connecting the communities of Martins River and Mahone Bay, this trail provides opportunities for residents and visitors to get outside to enjoy and explore the beauty of Nova Scotia’s South Shore,” said Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Economic Development and MLA for Lunenburg, on behalf of Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. “Trails contribute significantly to our communities and enable Nova Scotians to lead healthy, active lifestyles.”

The Mush-a-Mush River Bridge’s two concrete abutments and two concrete piers were built in 1923, replacing the original timber trestle built in 1905. It has two steel plate girder spans and one steel truss span. The Martins River Bridge has one granite masonry abutment and two granite masonry piers with two steel plate girder spans connecting to a timber trestle approach on the east side.

Quotes:

“This announcement is a significant step forward for the provincial government in funding maintenance of the rails-to-trails infrastructure. It enables the volunteer groups to move forward with major projects which must be completed in a specific time frame to meet requirements of the Environment Department. As a result of this funding, the Dynamite Trail Association can move forward with the refurbishment of the bridges.”

– Sandy Hamilton, Chair, Dynamite Trail Association

Quick Facts:

  • Martins River Bridge and Mush-a-Mush Bridge are both about 100 metres long and five storeys above the river surface
  • the Dynamite Trail is one of seven trails that make up the Rum Runners Trail that connects Halifax to Lunenburg as part of the former rail bed

Follow Us