News Release

MIRAMICHI (GNB) – The provincial government will fund engineering and paving work on the King George Highway in Miramichi this year as part of the Municipal Designated Highway Program.

“Modern infrastructure is key to the sustainability and growth of any community,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bill Fraser. “We know that municipalities like Miramichi want strong partnerships with the provincial government to grow and develop.  We are listening to our municipal partners and we are getting things done.”

A tender will be issued this spring for the paving work, which will take place on 900 metres of the highway from Jessiman Boulevard to the entrance of Sobeys. The government will also help to fund the city’s design work for future projects along the highway from the old King George Highway to Regent Street.

The government received funding requests of more than $210 million through the Municipal Designated Highway Program in 2016. Fraser said the demand demonstrates how essential the funding is to communities across the province.

Work on the highway will alleviate congestion expected to result from the temporary closure of the Centennial Bridge in 2019. Fraser praised the city’s forethought in planning for the upcoming bridge work.

“This work along the King George Highway is one of several steps being taken by the municipality and the provincial government to try to make the Centennial Bridge work as painless as possible for area businesses and residents,” said Fraser.

“Infrastructure upgrades are essential to continued growth in the community,” said Mayor Adam Lordon. “An investment in infrastructure is an investment in our economy.”

Funding for the Municipal Designated Highway Program has more than doubled since the 2014-15 fiscal year, rising to $25 million in 2015. It has remained at that level as part of a government commitment to sustain increased funding for municipalities.