Lower Rockport resident Crow Robichaud at the Pecks Cove Bridge where recent 16 tonne weight restrictions are preventing fire trucks from reaching her community

Lower Rockport resident Crow Robichaud says she’s pleased that the provincial department of transportation and infrastructure (DTI) has announced plans to construct a detour bridge that will accommodate fire trucks.

She says the 10 full-time residents in her area are currently facing a public safety nightmare because the province has imposed new 16 tonne weight restrictions that prevent fire trucks from crossing the Pecks Cove Bridge.

In a statement e-mailed to Warktimes today, DTI explains that the decision to change the weight restriction last month from 20 tonnes to 16 was made to ensure that the bridge can operate safely until it is replaced.

“While no repairs are currently planned for the structure, a detour bridge is planned for construction next to the existing bridge before the end of 2026,” the DTI statement says.

“It will be an enormous relief for the residents when we have full fire protection services,” Robichaud writes in a message to Warktimes.

During an interview Tuesday before the DTI announcement, she explained why she feels current fire services are inadequate.

“We have a Band-Aid solution that they can get some men and women across the bridge in a smaller vehicle and some water storage on a local property sort of midway in Rockport and Lower Rockport,” she said.

Tantramar has provided three storage tanks containing 3,000 litres of water to fight fires on the other side of the Pecks Cove Bridge. Photo: Crow Robichaud

Robichaud predicts the gravel road on the far side of the bridge will soon start deteriorating because heavy graders can’t cross to maintain it.

“What happens if there’s an auto accident down there and they can’t get the fire truck across with the jaws of life?” she asks.

Aside from safety concerns, Robichaud says the Pecks Cove Bridge can’t handle the weight of trucks that pump septic tanks, deliver hay to a local farmer or firewood to local residents.

“So, it’s affecting a lot of people in many different ways,” she says.

“And you know, we have no other route out.”

Tantramar MLA Megan Mitton, who has been pressing the government over several years to fix the bridge, says she’s relieved to hear about plans for a detour bridge this year.

“This is a public safety issue,” she writes in an e-mail to Warktimes.

“I’m glad DTI has finally understood the urgency that I’ve been communicating to them, and provided some more detail on how they will respond.”

Earlier this week, Tantramar Mayor Debbie Wiggins-Colwell wrote to DTI Minister Chuck Chiasson requesting provincial action on the Pecks Cove Bridge.

To read her letter, click here.