BATH (GNB) — The provincial government will invest almost $25 million in bridge repairs, paving and chipsealing projects in parts of central New Brunswick this year, as part of its 2018-19 capital budget.
“Our transportation infrastructure is a key asset to help grow the economy and create growth,” said Environment and Local Government Minister Andrew Harvey. “Your government has invested strategically in roads, bridges and highways and it shows that we are listening to New Brunswickers.”
Harvey spoke on behalf of Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bill Fraser.
Total investments also include previous announcements to the Florenceville Bridge and the Municipal Designated Highway Fund for two projects with the Town of Woodstock.
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will pave sections of Route 105, Route 107, Route 130, a 4.6-kilometre section of Route 109 and a 2.8-kilometre section of Route 590. A three-kilometre section of Route 385 and a six-kilometre section of Route 395 will be chipsealed.
Investments also include bridge repair work for the Tobique River Bridge No. 1, adjacent to Tobique First Nation, the Tobique River Bridge No. 4 in Plaster Rock and the Tobique River Bridge No.5 in Riley Brook.
The department will chipseal and reseal sections of Route 560, Mahoney Road, North Johnville Road, Route 108, Route 385, Birch Ridge Cross Road, Birch Ridge Road, Tinker Road, Route 104, Route 550, Blackbrook Road, Brookville Road, Charleston Road, Cross Road, Deal Road, East Knowlesville Road, Howard Brook Road, Somerville Road, Route 590 and Black Brook Road.
Under the Municipal Designated Highway Program, the department will fund the paving of a 1.2-kilometre section of Route 105 (Main Street) in Bath from 222 Main St. to the village limit.
The program allows municipalities to apply for funding assistance for capital upgrade projects. Funding for the program has more than doubled since the 2014-15 fiscal year, increasing to $25 million in 2015. It has remained at that level as part of a government commitment to sustain funding for municipalities.
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s $688.2 million capital budget reflects the government’s priority of investing strategically in its buildings, highways and bridges. Strategic investments in infrastructure are a key component of the multi-year New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan, the province’s framework for growing the economy and creating jobs.
22-06-18