10 February 2026

MIRAMICHI (GNB) – The first full closure of the Centennial Bridge in Miramichi will take place this year.

 

“First, I want to say that I understand the frustration of the people in Miramichi who have been hearing about a planned closure for the last number years, only for it to not happen for one reason or another,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Chuck Chiasson.

 

“We have awarded the contract for the next phase of the project and are confident in the plan that is being put in place to get this work underway.”

 

The bridge is expected to be fully closed between April 1 and Dec. 1 in both 2026 and 2027 to replace the bridge deck on the north and south approach spans. An additional closure will be needed to carry out the final phase, replacing the bridge deck for the centre spans.

 

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure and the City of Miramichi will host an open house on Feb. 26 at the Miramichi Agricultural Exhibition Association, 24 Church St., to inform people about the work being done and to discuss the mitigation measures being put in place.

 

The government has confirmed that it will support a number of mitigation measures with the City of Miramichi, including a signed detour route, and will be providing financial relief for additional fire and police services on both sides of the bridge during the closure, increased public transit service, as well as funding for additional accessible transit vehicles. Additionally, a water taxi is planned to operate during the summer months in 2026.

 

“The safety of the travelling public is a priority for our government,” said Chiasson. “We are committed to getting this project completed and are working with our partners at the City of Miramichi and in the community to provide assistance with some of the traffic delays that will be caused by this planned closure.”

 

The Centennial Bridge is a vital transportation link in Miramichi, carrying Route 8 and Route 11 traffic across the Miramichi River. With a height of about 73 metres and length of 1.1 kilometres, the bridge is one of the largest structures in the province.

 

“The City of Miramichi recognizes the significant disruption the closure will cause in the community, but also understands the importance and necessity of the work in renewing our flagship Centennial Bridge,” said Miramichi Mayor Adam Lordon. “As such, we have been preparing mitigation plans for city services to minimize disruption, especially in public safety, and will be communicating those at every opportunity over the next few weeks alongside the province.”

 

During these closures, motorists are encouraged to consider alternatives, such as working from home, walking, biking, carpooling, using public transit and completing errands outside of heavy traffic times.