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Restoring full tidal flow to the Petitcodiac
River by replacing a portion of the causeway with a bridge span
The project Restoring Full Tidal Flow
The project consists in replacing a portion
of the causeway with a bridge span in order to achieve the maximum
recovery of the Petitcodiac River system. Engineers and hydrologists
often set as an objective the restoration of full tidal flow when
establishing parameters to restore river systems
In the case of the Petitcodiac, hydrological
estimates suggest that an opening of between 250 and 275 m is
needed in the 1-km long causeway structure in order to restore
full tidal flow to our river. The exact length will be confirmed
once detailed restoration plans are undertaken. Restoring full
tidal flow is expected to restore as much as 90% of the river
channel functions (approximately 90% of the river channel is presently
filled in the Moncton area), creating the conditions necessary
to restore fish passage and the unique Petitcodiac River tidal
bore.
Erosion Protection
Some of the areas identified as needing
erosion protection with this restoration project include sections
of the former City of Moncton landfill situated next to the causeway,
several agricultural fields situated in the present-day headpond,
as well as certain locations along the region's riverfront parks.
The exact areas will be confirmed once detailed restoration plans
are undertaken.
The Costs
The estimated costs of constructing the
partial bridge span and building erosion protection along the
riverfront, agricultural fields and sections of the former City
of Moncton landfill, amount to some $18.5 million.
The Benefits
Benefits associated with the restoration
of the full tidal flow to the Petitcodiac River are predicted
in the area of eco-tourism (tidal bore observation and day adventure
activities on the river - $2 3 million/year), tourism infrastructure
development (accommodation, gift shops and restaurants - $2
3 million/year) and fishing (commercial and recreation - $1
4 million/year). Total projected benefits amount to between $5
and 10 million/year; pending a more detailed cost-benefit analysis
and projections for the recovery of fish stocks in the river system.
More information about the partial bridge
projec
Building
a partial bridge is about...
Prediction model for the partial bridge
(photo 1967)
''A Discussion
Paper on Restoration Options for the Petitcodiac
River'' |
