Eliot River bridge to stay closed until fall 2027 after federal permit delay

The Eliot River bridge in rural Prince Edward Island, closed in June 2026 before it could collapse, will stay shut until about August or September 2027 instead of reopening next month. Darrell Evans of the provincial transportation department said the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans would not issue an environmental permit for work during salmon spawning season, so construction is delayed until May and should take about 16 weeks. Residents say the 10-kilometre detour becomes dangerous in winter and could slow ambulances. District 17 MLA Peter Bevan-Baker said garbage pickup, home care and school buses will also be affected.