Moncton area loses historic covered bridge, leaving province with only 58
William Mitton covered bridge was demolished Wednesday
Looking at the site where Riverview's William Mitton covered bridge used to span a bubbling brook, Ray Boucher said his first thought was "sorrow."
The president of the Covered Bridges Conservation Association of New Brunswick said a piece of New Brunswick's history was lost when crews from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure demolished the wooden structure Wednesday morning.
"That bridge has seen weddings, they've seen school photos, all sorts of visitors from the U.S. — especially where it's still handy to one of the major arteries. So it's going to be missed," Boucher said.
The bridge was purchased by farmer William Mitton and moved to its present site in 1942, where it served as a link between his farm and Coverdale Road.
It has been closed to traffic since the 1980s and was later barricaded to pedestrians because of its poor condition.
Boucher said the Covered Bridges Conservation Association tried to raise money to repair the Mitton Bridge, but wasn't successful.
New Brunswick is now left with 58 covered bridges. In the 1950s, Boucher said there were 340 of the structures around the province.
Looking at the weather-worn grey planks amidst the debris, Boucher said it deteriorated quickly in the past seven years because of "neglect."
"It's just the fact that it was no longer in service and covered bridges in New Brunswick that are not in service do not receive maintenance unless there's a local organization that is pushing for it."
Locals will miss a 'peaceful spot'
Denis Cool of Moncton stopped by Riverview to see the remains of the bridge. He said it was a relaxing spot he liked to visit.
"Every time I wanted to have a little peaceful drive, I always like to go by and have a look at that bridge. It's sad."
Recalling his visits, Cool said he loved how scenic the bridge was during the hot and dry summer months. He even brought friends from Europe during a visit.
"I was taking them along scenic routes and I said, 'You've got to see this bridge.'"
He said it is sad that these old covered bridges are slowly falling apart, especially this one that is now gone forever.
"They're all going away, I mean, it's hard to maintain them, costs a lot of money."
The province's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure declined an interview request.
In an email, spokesperson Jacob MacDonald said, "the removal of the now dilapidated structure will help ensure the safety of the public and the environment going forward."
Boucher said there are many covered bridges across the province in need of upkeep and repairs, including the Wheaton covered bridge on the Tantramar Marsh, and the Germantown Lake covered bridge in Fundy Albert.
He said most belong to the province and they need to be maintained to preserve New Brunswick's heritage.
"I love all our covered bridges. They're all important to me," he said. "This one here, perhaps a little bit more because I've seen it die."
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