Bailey Bridge Reopens Avocat Access After Godineau River Crossing Collapsed

Residents of St John’s Branch Trace, Avocat, regained vehicle access on Friday with the opening of a new Bailey bridge, more than two years after the original bridge collapsed and forced them to carry groceries, move garbage and even use boats for medical emergencies. Officials said the bridge restores a vital lifeline for about 40 residents and could also support farming and future tourism development in the area.

Residents of Avocat now have restored access after a new Bailey bridge was completed and opened in the community, replacing a link that had been disrupted for about two years. Officials said the project was finished ahead of schedule, improving movement and access to essential services for local residents.

Seven families in St John’s Village, Avocat, will return home for Divali after a Bailey bridge was installed across the Godineau River, restoring access lost when the old bridge collapsed two years ago. Residents had been living in rented homes elsewhere after daily crossings became dangerous, disrupting school, work and farming.

Seven families displaced by the collapse of an old bridge over the Godineau River in Avocat, Fyzabad, are expected to return home by Christmas as the Ministry of Works prepares to install a Bailey bridge at St John’s Branch Trace. The new crossing should restore vehicle access after two years of hardship for residents and farmers.