The MLA for Emerson is encouraging St. Jean and area residents not to give up hope on the construction of a new bridge.

The bridge that used to span the Red River in St. Jean was taken down about four years ago under the former NDP government on claims that the piers were failing, but the structure has never been

File photo replaced.

Cliff Graydon says the provincial government has inherited significant financial challenges going forward and cannot give any assurances at this time on when, or if a new bridge will be constructed.

"We have some tough restrictions when it comes to catching up on the infrastructure which has been so badly neglected in the last 17 years," said Graydon. "So we have a big catch up and I'm not up to speed on where the bridge is in a five year plan, or where it is in the plan going forward at this point."

Graydon says there are some very good reasons why a bridge should be constructed, but it's one project in a long line of infrastructure needs throughout the province that will have to be addressed.