Phases two to nine are cost shared with the federal goverment.
Extended full closures are expected in 2026 and 2027. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is working with the City of Miramichi to mitigate the impact of planned closures.
Overview
The Centennial Bridge, opened in 1967, remains a vital transportation link carrying Route 11 traffic across the Miramichi River, accommodating about 8,000 vehicles daily. With an overall height of 240 ft over a navigational channel, the 1.1 km bridge is one of the largest structures in the province. It allows for the passage of freighters, barges and other commercial marine vessels. An assessment in 2009 concluded that a full-scale rehabilitation could extend the structure's service life by another 50-60 years.
Work on the $195 million rehabilitation project began in 2012. It encompassed repairs and upgrades to the steel superstructure, foundation elements rehabilitation and concrete deck replacement. Future project phases will include work to widen the roadway across the bridge, additional pier improvements, deck replacement and steel rehabilitation.
Phases 1 thru 9
| Phase | Status |
|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3 - Piers 1-7 (substructure & superstructure) | Completed |
| 4 - Pier work (land) | Completed |
| 5 - Pier work (water) | Completed |
| 6 - Utility ducts (fiber) | Completed |
| 7 - Bearing replacement and pier repairs | Completed |
| 8 - Substructure Rehabilitation | Contract awarded in June 2025 with work anticipated to be completed by spring 2026. |
| 8A - North & South Approaches Deck Replacement | Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued in July 2025 to pre-qualify contracts for the construction Tender Phase. Tender is anticipated to be advertised in December 2025 with full bridge closure (approx. 6 months) planned in May 2026 and anticipated completion in winter 2026/27. |
| 9 - Pier Rehabilitation and Navigation Span Deck Replacement | Currently in design with anticipated construction start in 2027 and full bridge closure for 6 months. |
The timeline will be updated as the project phases progress through to the anticipated targeted completion date in late 2027.
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.