Release:
On Thursday, June 20, 2024, at about 6:43 p.m. Bridgewater Police Service and Bridgewater Fire Department responded to several 911 calls reporting a fire on the Centennial Trail Trestle Bridge that spans the LaHave River just north of the downtown.
Northfield Fire Department also responded to the call as part of the Mutual Aid program to assist Bridgewater Fire Department.
A portion of King Street, from Brown Street to Logan Road, was closed to allow fire services to fight the structure fire.
As a result of the excellent response from crews, the fire was extinguished quickly. Fire services remained on the scene targeting hot spots with the aid of Bridgewater’s Fire and Police drone for several hours. As of last evening, the cause of the fire was undetermined.
On June 21, 2024, a youth, accompanied by a parent, turned themselves into Bridgewater Police Service claiming responsibility for causing the fire.
As this matter falls under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, no further information will be provided at this time.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact Bridgewater Police Service at 902-543-2464 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
BRIDGE WILL REMAIN CLOSED FOR SOME TIME
As a result of the fire, the Centennial Trail Trestle Bridge will remain closed to public use for the foreseeable future. Barricades and signage are in place. We ask the public to respect the closure and avoid the area.
Additional updates on the status of the bridge will be shared in due course by the Town of Bridgewater.
The Centennial Trail Trestle Bridge in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, is a significant historical structure with a rich past. Originally built in the early 20th century, the bridge was a key component of the railway system that connected various communities in Nova Scotia. The railway played a crucial role in the region’s development, facilitating the movement of goods and people and contributing to the local economy.
The bridge itself is an impressive example of early engineering, showcasing the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the era. It spans the LaHave River, providing not only a functional crossing but also a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape.
In the latter part of the 20th century, as railway use declined with the advent of modern transportation, many of these rail lines, including the one passing over the Centennial Trail Trestle Bridge, were decommissioned. Recognizing the historical and recreational value of the bridge, the local community and government undertook efforts to preserve it. It was repurposed as part of the Centennial Trail, a multi-use recreational trail that promotes outdoor activities such as walking, biking, and hiking.
