Over the weekend, I received many messages from residents, business owners, employees and first responders in both Cumberland and Colchester counties about the closure of Upham Bridge on Trunk 6 and the condition of the current detour.
People are reporting **mud, deep ruts, dust causing poor visibility, loose rock, vehicles sliding, flat tires and vehicle damage**, along with significantly longer travel times and added fuel costs.
There are also serious concerns about **emergency response, school transportation, winter travel and the impact on local businesses during the summer tourism season.**
I want to be clear: if Upham Bridge is unsafe, it must be closed. **No one is asking Public Works to compromise safety.**
But we cannot solve one safety problem by creating another.
This morning I am writing Public Works Minister Fred Tilley asking for immediate action, including:
• An urgent assessment of whether a **temporary Bailey or modular bridge** can be installed, even if it allows only one controlled lane of traffic.
• An immediate safety review of the entire designated detour.
• Consideration of **Logan Road/Mattatall Road and other possible alternatives** that may provide a shorter or safer route.
• Immediate gravel, grading, compaction, dust control and maintenance where required.
• A review of temporary speed reductions and additional safety signage.
• Consultation with our local **first responders** about emergency access.
• A clear plan for school buses and winter conditions if this closure continues.
• Better signage letting visitors know that businesses in **Tatamagouche, Malagash, Wallace, Fox Harbour and along the Northumberland Shore remain OPEN and accessible.**
And most importantly, people deserve to know **how long this closure is expected to last and what the plan is to repair or replace Upham Bridge.**
These concerns are coming from both sides of the county line because our communities are connected. People live in one county, work in another, send their children to school across the region and depend on Trunk 6 every day.
**The people who use these roads every day deserve more than a sign saying “detour.” They deserve a safe, workable transportation plan.**
I will continue pressing for answers and immediate action.