On November 5, 1971, the ‘Grand Old Lady’ was hit again. The ‘Grand Valor’ of Panama, hit the bridge after leaving Acadia Pulp and Paper Mill. She was loaded with wood. The ‘Grand Valor’ was turning when the dangerous waters caught her. It drove her into the bridge. The ship knocked the second span six feet out of place. The ‘Grand Valor’ had to stay in Chatham for several days. The owners, Sea King Lines of New York, had to pay $25,000. The ship was then allowed to leave.
The bridge was closed for three weeks. During those three weeks, people used the Centennial Bridge. The Centennial Bridge crosses the Miramichi River between Chatham and the village of Douglastown. On November 25, 1971, shortly before five o’clock, the bridge reopened. This was the fourth opening since 1914.
The Morrissy Bridge served the people of the Miramichi for many years without any more problems. Then on June 14, 1984, it was hit again.
While turning, the ‘John M’ of Hamburg got caught in the dangerous waters. It hit the bridge in two places. One of the piers was badly damaged. Three spans were pushed out of place. The bridge was closed and would not be opened until the fall.
People were called in to see what repairs would cost. They said the damage to the bridge was from $1,000,000 to $ 2,000,000. Most of the damage was to the piers under the water. The people of Newcastle wanted a new bridge. The ‘Grand Old Lady’ was now seventy-one years old. She had been hit five times. This time she was badly hurt.
Once more a boat was used to get people across the river. It was called the SS Dawson City Express. It was called after the Honourable Paul Dawson, Minister of Commerce and Development. He got the boat for the people. Small vans were also used. Businesses were badly hurt by the accident. Some had to close their doors. It would take the Miramichi a long time to recover from the accident.