The connection between the north and south sides of Marystown has been severed after the Canning Bridge failed its inspection.

The span is not safe for use and has been officially closed.

Drivers now have to take the long way around—a 12 km drive through Creston South on the Burin Peninsula Highway—to get from one side of town to the other.

Mayor Brian Keating told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly town officials could see the closure coming following a series of weight restrictions over the last month.

He says after weight restrictions put in place due to ongoing concerns, a third party investigation was carried out, and yesterday at noon came word that the bridge had failed inspection.

Keating says the province is committed to replacing the bridge, but it will take time.

He’s been in contact with the Department of Transportation who indicate it’s a priority, but replacing the bridge won’t happen overnight, there is a lot of work that will have to go into replacing the structure.