The new Mira Gut Bridge officially opened today.
Local MP Mike Kelloway says the bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure and after five years of detours residents of Mira and the surrounding area will be happy to have this new bridge.
With this new bridge visitors and residents will no longer have to take a 20 kilometre detour to visit the Mira area.
“The Mira Gut Bridge holds a special place in my heart, for more then 36 years I was the custodian of the old Mira Gut Bridge. I am thrilled that we have a new bridge that will provide safe travels for many years to come.” Says former bridge custodian Bob Martell.
Amanda McDougall, the Mayor of Cape Breton Regional Municipality says the reopening of the bridge represents the reconnection of their community and the Marconi trail, it also represents the efforts of a community advocating and working together to get to this day.
The original swing bridge closed in 2017 due to mechanical issues requiring visitors and locals to take detours. The former bridge was designed to accommodate large boats and this disrupted road traffic.
The new bridge is an 80 metre truss bridge with a 6 point 5 metre vertical clearance to accommodate boats.
