News Release

WELSFORD (GNB) - Federal, provincial and municipal representatives participated today in the official opening of the $63-million Route 7 Welsford bypass between Saint John and Fredericton.

"This extensive upgrade for Route 7 creates a more efficient highway around several residential areas leading to the port city," said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams. "The bypass will improve safety and relieve traffic congestion for motorists around Welsford. It will also benefit the economy and the local trucking industry which uses this route daily for business in Saint John. This project is a good step toward rebuilding New Brunswick and creating a stronger province."

The Welsford bypass consists of about eight kilometres of four-lane highway, 3.5 kilometres of two-lane highway and five main structures. Two new overpasses and a viaduct have been built as well as a new culvert and bridge at Welsford Falls. The project also includes 14 kilometres of wildlife fencing.

"The Route 7 Welsford bypass represents an important link between the Trans-Canada Highway and the Port of Saint John," said Rob Moore, minister of state for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "Our government is proud to have invested in this project which will promote economic development and contribute to long-term economic prosperity in New Brunswick."

Moore spoke on behalf of federal Transport Minister Lisa Raitt.

Construction of the bypass began in 2009 and was completed this fall. The bypass begins just north of the community of Welsford and meets back with the existing controlled-access section of Route 7 just north of the Grand Bay-Westfield Interchange.

The project was cost-shared between the federal and provincial governments. The province invested about $37 million while the federal government contributed about $26 million under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund.