“Our government is pleased to make strategic investments to improve the safety and efficiency of roads and bridges throughout the Island,” Minister Vessey said. “Our construction contractor encountered many challenges due to the extreme winter weather, and we are thankful to them for finishing in time for spring.”

Total cost of the new bridge was $700,000. It was needed to replace the former bridge, which was built in 1952 and could no longer safely serve the Miminegash community.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal prioritizes and identifies structures in need of rehabilitation or replacement as part of its Bridge Inspection Program. Seven bridges and highway structures are planned for replacement in 2014-15.

Since 2008, the provincial government has replaced or completed major repairs on 50 bridges across the province, for a total investment of more than $60 million. There are nearly 1,400 bridges and highway structures in Prince Edward Island.