MIRAMICHI, NB – The New Brunswick government has confirmed that the Centennial Bridge in Miramichi will undergo a total closure for a major rehabilitation project. Starting April 1, 2026, the 1.1-kilometre-long bridge will be completely shut down to all traffic until December 1, 2026. This move is part of a multi-year plan to replace the aging bridge deck and extend the structure’s service life by up to 60 years. Officials also stated that identical eight-month closures will be required during the 2027 construction season to complete the project.
As a critical link between Route 8 and Route 11, the bridge’s closure is expected to cause significant traffic challenges for the roughly 8,000 vehicles that cross it daily. Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Chuck Chiasson acknowledged the community’s long-standing frustration over the project, which has faced several delays and contractor changes over the past decade. He emphasized that a contract has now been officially awarded for this phase, and the province is committed to moving forward to ensure the long-term safety of the bridge.
To help residents cope with the disruption, the provincial government and the City of Miramichi are implementing several mitigation measures. Emergency services, including fire and police, will be stationed on both sides of the river to ensure rapid response times despite the detour. Additionally, a seasonal water taxi service will be launched this summer to help people cross the river, and Miramichi Transit will introduce updated routes. A public open house will be held on February 26 at the Miramichi Agricultural Exhibition Association to provide further details on these measures and the construction timeline.
