News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) –The provincial government is investing $20.6 million in summer highway maintenance this year, including pothole patching.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure began patching potholes last week after spring weight restrictions were lifted and hot asphalt plants opened.

“Our government is committed to taking measures to improve routine maintenance such as pothole patching,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Roger Melanson. “As we look to be more open and transparent and tender more work to road building companies and contractors, we are freeing up departmental crews to do this important work faster and more efficiently.”

The department’s target is to have pothole patching on arterial and collector roads and other priority areas completed by mid-August. Across the department and all transportation districts, 48 crews have been assigned to ensure the safety of motorists and their vehicles by prioritizing pothole patching.

“In making these investments, we are following through with our commitment to maintain our infrastructure more effectively while stimulating the economy in the short-term through immediate job creation,” said Melanson.

Other work conducted throughout the summer will include brush cutting, asphalt levelling, shoulder and road grading and repair, mowing, ditching and sign maintenance. Under the capital program, the department will also lay 710 kilometers of chip seal and 390 kilometers of asphalt. Other work, such as bridge maintenance, is expected to continue into the fall.