The province is committed to a solution for the Gates Lane Bridge.

The century-old single-lane bridge in Weymouth closed suddenly earlier this month for safety reasons.

The closure has added at least 15 minutes of travel time for some in the community, about 150 people attended a public meeting on Saturday.

Local resident Ann Lewis says a number of options were presented, including a temporary bailey bridge.

“Although for historic and other reasons, people would like to see this bridge stay. But if it can’t, a bailey bridge would be the best option, for now,” said Lewis.

A number of options were presented from the Department of Public Works on the future of the Gates Lane Bridge in Weymouth on Saturday, January 20th, 2024 (Photo: Dr. Martin Morrison)

Lewis says she lives just 45 metres from the bridge, and has noticed problems for years.

“If you neglect something long enough, it reaches a point where it might be beyond repair. But we’re hopeful after this meeting.”

The closure was listed as permanent on Nova Scotia 511, but then changed to temporary.

Digby MLA and Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration Jill Balser also attended the meeting, and says the province apologized for the miscommunication.

“The bailey bridge conversation was brought up, as well as a complete rebuild of a brand new bridge. The community has made it clear, they want this bridge back in place in the quickest way possible,” said Balser, adding that a permanent closure was never on the table.

She says the province will do a study, and come back for more community consultations in a few months.