News Release

MONCTON (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments will partner to fund the widening of a section of Elmwood Drive in Moncton.

The project involves widening about 2.2 km of Elmwood Drive between Cedarwood Avenue and Longfellow Drive.

“The provincial government is proud to be investing in this important municipal infrastructure project as part of the Strategic Infrastructure Initiative,” said Moncton East MLA Monique LeBlanc. “This investment reflects the government’s commitment to boost the economy in the short-term through job creation and in the long-term through the reconstruction and renewal of strategic infrastructure resources.”

LeBlanc attended the event for Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Roger Melanson.

Work will include installing a storm sewer system, widening the roadway to accommodate four lanes, and building a concrete curb and sidewalks on both sides of the street. This section of Elmwood Drive is currently a two-lane rural arterial roadway with a ditch system for drainage. Once complete, the project will improve safety and traffic flow along this key route.

The project is estimated to cost $12.5 million and will receive funding consideration for cost-sharing under the provincial government’s Strategic Infrastructure Initiative as well as the federal government’s New Building Canada Plan.

“Our government is committed to supporting communities so we can ensure a better quality of life for all Canadians and their families,” said Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Robert Goguen. “With the New Building Canada Fund, our government’s support for public infrastructure and strengthening our communities has never been stronger. We are pleased to work with the Government of New Brunswick to invest in these improvements to Elmwood Drive and approve other projects under the New Building Canada Fund. These investments are focused on creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada.”

Goguen attended the event for Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Denis Lebel.

These upgrades to Elmwood Drive will help accommodate the additional traffic generated by the new Moncton High School, while the sidewalk installation will improve pedestrian safety. The project should be completed over three consecutive construction seasons, starting as early as 2017.

“The widening and upgrade of Elmwood Drive is a significant infrastructure project,” said Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc. “The recent opening of Moncton High School and new residential developments in that area have increased the traffic flow. This project will improve the safety of everyone travelling along Elmwood Drive and will alleviate the traffic issues that have caused some concern over the years. We thank both levels of government for their commitment to improving the quality of life and safety of our residents.”