Westmorland Street Bridge

The Westmorland Street Bridge is a road bridge spanning roughly 750 meters across the Saint John River and linking downtown Fredericton to the Nashwaaksis area. Four traffic lanes serve vehicles, while a dedicated pathway on the north side accommodates pedestrians and cyclists.

The structure opened in 1981 following completion of the Mactaquac Dam in 1968, which interrupted river navigation above Fredericton. The dam's construction altered the river's flow and prompted the need for a new crossing at this location.

The bridge sits near land shaped by Acadian settlement in earlier times. Today, visitors can observe the river and surrounding landscape from the pathways while crossing.

Visitors should note that the bridge is primarily designed for vehicle traffic, but the dedicated north pathway provides safe access for pedestrians and cyclists. The best time to cross on foot or by bicycle is outside peak hours when traffic is lighter.

During construction, two existing bridges had to open their swing spans to allow tugboats and barges to move upriver. This temporary navigation solution reveals the challenges of building a crossing over an already-controlled waterway.