A fluid flow passage bridgepiece (401, 601) for insertion into an open-face fluid flow channel (505) of a fluid flow plate (501, 605) is provided. The bridgepiece provides a sealed passage extending from a columnar fluid flow manifold (503) along the flow channel (505), thereby preventing undesirable leakage into and out of the columnar fluid flow manifold. When deployed in the various fluid flow plates that are used in a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell, bridgepieces of this invention prevent mixing of reactant gases, leakage of coolant or humidification water, and occlusion of the fluid flow channel by gasket material. The invention also provides a fluid flow plate assembly including an insertable bridgepiece, a fluid flow plate adapted for use with an insertable bridgepiece, and a method of manufacturing a fluid flow plate with an insertable fluid flow passage bridgepiece.
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