DIEPPE, N.B. -- The Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association has underlined the importance of the Saint John Harbour Bridge to the industry as repairs to the 40-year-old structure remain in limbo with its current status unknown. The group that runs bridge was turned down for a loan to make repairs late last year, according to CBC.ca.
The APTA says that traffic destined to the US through the State of Maine's new border crossing in St. Stephen could be impacted if use of the Harbour Bridge is restricted. The organization said it is "imperative" for the bridge to stay operation and in good working condition to ensure uninhibited flow of goods.
"The APTA represents many carriers that engage in the movement of freight via the Harbour Bridge each day. Any disruption, speed restrictions, load restrictions or lane closures would pose huge concerns for our industry from a safety and environmental standpoint," said the APTA in a release. "Carriers would need to find alternate lanes or routes to get to destination and this would result in longer trips using non-traditional lanes and more fuel usage. This would prove to be very costly to the industry."
APTA officials have said they hope the situation is improving and will be resolved soon so repairs can start and any traffic disruptions will be avoided.