News Release

EDMUNDSTON (GNB) – Two informal public information sessions will be held concerning a proposed new Edmundston-Madawaska international bridge and a border crossing feasibility and planning study.

The sessions will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the République A meeting room of the Four Points By Sheraton, Edmundston, and from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. EDT) at the Madawaska High School Library in Madawaska, Maine, on Wednesday, June 28. The sessions are hosted by the New Brunswick Department of Transportation, Canada Border Services Agency, Public Services and Procurement Canada, Maine Department of Transportation, and United States General Services Administration.

People may provide input or participate in discussions with staff at any time during these sessions.

A study of the bridge and border crossing facility began earlier this year to evaluate the options for bridge repairs or replacement.

“The existing Madawaska-Edmundston bridge was built in 1921 and has served the communities well for nearly 100 years, however, it is starting to show its age,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bill Fraser. “To ensure the long-term future of the bridge and avoid the need to place weight restrictions on it, the agencies involved are now looking at a range of rehabilitation and replacement strategies. Our common goal is to identify a solution that will maintain cross-border traffic during construction and ensure this critical crossing remains operational in the long term.”

“Since this is an international border, with a port of entry on both sides of the river, all the agencies are working closely together on developing the best plan,” said David Bernhardt, commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation. “The General Services Administration will be replacing and expanding the current U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility here, which will be an integral part of the final design.”

The agencies are working with municipal representatives from Edmundston and Madawaska, the chambers of commerce, railroad companies, Twin Rivers Paper Co. and other stakeholders to share progress and gather feedback.