Environment and Conservation
January 8, 2016

Keeping Communities Informed

Terra Nova Bridge Remains Closed Due to Public Safety Concerns

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is maintaining the closure of Terra Nova Bridge in T'Railway Provincial Park amid safety concerns and is asking for the public's continued cooperation. The bridge has been barricaded and closed to all pedestrian and vehicular traffic since structural problems were identified in November 2015.

"It is important for snowmobilers and other users of the T'Railway Provincial Park to be aware of the bridge closure and understand the serious concerns we have about the structure. While we examine this issue and options for the future, I want to ensure that users have a more complete understanding of why the bridge is closed to all traffic including snowmobiles."
- The Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Conservation

An inspection of the 112-metre bridge indicates significant deterioration of concrete in the piers and abutments. Use of the bridge by any form of foot or vehicular traffic has the potential to cause the structure to fail.

The Department of Environment and Conservation will install additional signage along T'Railway access points in Port Blandford and Glovertown advising of the bridge closure, and measures to barricade the bridge will be further reinforced. Members of the public are also reminded of the dangers of venturing onto the ice in an attempt to cross the Terra Nova River. The department is reaching out to community-based organizations and municipalities in an effort to strengthen safety-related messages and raise awareness of the bridge closure.

"I understand that many people rely on this portion of the T'Railway Provincial Park for snowmobile travel and this is a serious issue for trail users in our region. While I understand that the bridge closure is having a significant impact on the residents in the area, I hope that increased awareness of the public safety concerns will help them understand why this action is necessary."
- Colin Holloway, MHA for Terra Nova

There are 133 bridges in T'Railway Provincial Park, which runs 880 kilometres between St. John's and Channel-Port aux Basques.

QUICK FACTS

• The Terra Nova Bridge in T'Railway Provincial Park remains closed amid public safety concerns.
• The bridge has been barricaded and closed to all pedestrian and vehicular traffic since structural problems were identified in November.
• An inspection indicates significant deterioration of bridge concrete and use of the bridge by any form of foot or vehicle traffic has the potential to cause the structure to fail
• There are 133 bridges in T'Railway Provincial Park, which runs 880 kilometres between St. John's and Channel-Port aux Basques.

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Media contacts:

Emily Timmins Director of Communications Department of Environment and Conservation 709-729-2575, 693-1292 emilytimmins@gov.nl.ca

Joanne Freeman Constituency Assistant to Colin Holloway, MHA for Terra Nova 709-466-4163 1-800-514-9073

2016 01 08                              3:20 p.m.