Residents in Bathurst, New Brunswick, are facing dangerous driving conditions on local highways after a weekend storm surge on February 7 and 8, 2026, caused visible erosion and damage to road shoulders.
The storm dislodged protective rock barriers (riprap) along coastal stretches of Route 134, with secondary reports of damage to arterial segments of Route 11 near the Janeville area. Photos shared on local social media show ocean waves washing away the gravel support under the pavement; some residents described about a two-foot drop-off where the shoulder used to be and narrowed lanes in affected sections.
The New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI) — District 1 (Bathurst) — says it is assessing multiple sites in the Chaleur region and has advised drivers to respect ‘Shoulder Closed’ signs where they have been posted. DTI has asked motorists to reduce speeds and stay alert for standing water or compromised shoulders on the Bathurst–Petit‑Rocher coastal route.
This damage follows concerns raised in the City of Bathurst’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan (first published in 2016), which identified 31 sites in the city vulnerable to sea-level rise, storm surge and coastal erosion. Provincial crews and DTI engineers are currently working to determine repair timelines for impacted school‑bus and commuter routes; local residents have pushed for clarity on whether temporary fixes or more permanent armoring will be used.
For the latest official road-condition updates, consult New Brunswick 511 and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (District 1) for site-specific advisories and closures.
