FREDERICTON (CNB) – A total of $743.6 million will be invested in roads, bridges, ferries and equipment in 2012-13. Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams made the announcement today while tabling the department’s capital budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

"Our budget reflects balance between our fiscal challenges while investing in infrastructure projects that are important to the people of New Brunswick," said Williams.

The department's capital budget also outlines spending for 2013-14 and 2014-15.

"This spending outlook will allow for better planning and prioritizing of our capital needs," said Williams.

Most of the department’s capital budget relates to the Route 1 Gateway project, which involves the twinning of Route 1 from the United States border in St. Stephen to the connection with the Trans-Canada Highway in River Glade. A total of $544 million is earmarked for the completion of this public-private project. Under the terms of the agreement, the full cost of the project is due the year the project is completed.

Other major projects that will receive funding include:

●    One Mile House interchange – $6.4 million in 2012-13 and $2.3 million in 2013-14;
●    Saint John Harbour Bridge rehabilitation – $9.7 million;
●    Route 8 Nashwaak-Marysville bypass – $13 million in 2012-13 and $19 million in 2013-14;
●    Route 11 Caraquet bypass as well as improvements to Route 11; and
●    the completion of the four-lane highway (Trans-Canada Highway) to the Quebec border.


14-12-11