Bridge demolished in St. Jean-Baptiste, citing safety concerns

The St. Jean-Baptise Bridge was demolished on Saturday after claims that there was danger due to falling piers on the structure.

The St. Jean-Baptise Bridge was destroyed in a controlled demolition on Saturday after claims that there was danger due to falling piers on the structure.

The demolition went on without error at around 9 a.m. on February 16^th. It was attended by RCMP, fire services, and security to assure the safety of nearby residents.

For 77-year-old Luc Sabourin, it was a nostalgic end. He said he could still remember the first time he crossed it.

“For me that bridge was like a part of the family so it really hurt me when it came down, but that's life I guess.”

Another resident says that the loss of the bridge will impact the local French school. “Many of the students come from the other side, and this is going to add an hour to their ride, so they'll finish their school year but they won't be coming back here."

Flooding damaged the piers of the bridge and structural concerns forced the province to close it last fall, causing many people to have to find alternate routes to travel in the area.

The demolition took three weeks of planning and five sets of explosives in five different locations. Many residents are convinced the bridge could have been repaired, but those heading the demolition say that’s not the case.

Tristan Rakowski says the bridge was beyond repair. “From a structural standpoint, it was very destabilized, so it did need to come down.”

St. Jean-Baptise is a primarily francophone farming community with a population of around 900 people. Built in 1947, the bridge was a major conduit to surrounding communities, businesses, and homesteads around the community.

A meeting is scheduled in April to update residents on plans for another bridge, which may be constructed in the next five years.

Take a look at photos of the demolition from CTV and our viewers in our photo gallery.