The Centennial Bridge opened in 1967 and remains a vital transportation link carrying Route 11 traffic across the Miramichi River, accommodating approximately 8,000 vehicles per day.
With an overall height of 240 ft over a navigational channel, the 1.1 km Centennial Bridge is one of the largest structures in DTI’s inventory and allows for the passage of freighters, barges, and other commercial marine vessels.
A comprehensive assessment in 2009 concluded that the service life of the structure could be extended another 50-60 years with a full-scale rehabilitation project.
Work on the 14-year, $120 million rehabilitation project began in 2012, and encompasses repairs and upgrades to the steel superstructure, rehabilitation of foundation elements and replacement of the concrete deck. As part of the project, a new sidewalk will also be installed.
Future project phases will include work to widen the roadway across the bridge, additional pier improvements, deck replacement and steel rehabilitation.
Extended full closures are expected in 2024 and 2025. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is working closely with the City of Miramichi to mitigate the impact of any planned closures.
Scope of Work – Phases 1 thru 9
- Phase 1/2/3 are completed (Piers 1-7; Substructure & Superstructure)
- Phase 4 – Pier work (Land)
- Phase 5 – Pier work (Over Water)
- Phase 6 – Utility Ducts (Fiber)
- Phase 7 – 1st Phase Deck Replacement (Bearing Jacking)
- Phase 8 – 2nd Phase Deck Replacement (Currently in design)
- Phase 9 – 3rd Phase Deck Replacement (Currently in design)
- New Walkway
Work Onsite in Summer/Fall of 2022
- Phase 4 – Piers (16-20) – Concrete Replacement – Infill (Complete in Fall)
- Phase 5 – Piers (8-15) – Concrete Replacement – Infill
- Phase 6 – Utility Ducts (Fiber) – Start New Routing – Support System
- Phase 7 – 1st Phase of the Deck Replacement on South side (Bearing Jacking Only)
Work Onsite in 2023
- Phase 5 – Piers (8-15) – Concrete Replacement – Infill
- Phase 6 – Utility Ducts (Fiber) – Finish New Routing – Support System
- Phase 7 – 2nd Phase of the Deck Replacement on South side (Replace deck)
- Phase 8 – 1st Phase of the Deck Replacement on North side (Bearing Jacking Only)
Work Onsite in of 2024
- Phase 8 – 2nd Phase of the Deck Replacement on North side (Replace deck) – Start early Spring and Finish Late Fall of 2024
- Phase 9 – 1st Phase of the Deck Replacement on/over navigation span (prepare for Bearing Jacking Only)
- Phase (Walkway) – Start side approaches late Spring / Early Summer 2024
- Phase (Walkway Installation) – Start install of walkway spans in late Spring/Early Summer 2024
Work Onsite in 2025
- Phase 9 – 3rd Phase of the Deck Replacement (Navigation Span) – Start early Spring and Finish Late Fall of 2025
- Phase (Walkway Installation) – Start install of walkway spans (Navigation Span) in late Spring/Early Summer 2025
The timeline will be updated as the project phases progress through to the expected targeted completion date of late 2025.
During various project phases, the bridge will have overnight, single lane and full closures. A detour route will be in place during these times.
The department will continue to review the execution of the work to minimize disruptions with all closures or additional traffic changes and closures communicated to the public in advance.
