News Release

MIRAMICHI (GNB) – A roundabout will be built in Miramichi this year to ease traffic congestion expected during the multi-year repair of the Centennial Bridge. Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bill Fraser unveiled the roundabout design at an event in Miramichi today.

“When the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure conducted its traffic study for the Centennial Bridge repair, a roundabout was one of the recommendations for improving traffic flow,” said Fraser. “During the summer of 2019, when it is expected that a full closure of the bridge may be required at some point, the roundabout will greatly improve traffic flow on the detour.”

The roundabout will be built at the intersection of Route 8, Route 117 and Route 126. A tender for the project will be awarded in the coming weeks. Construction will begin in the spring and wrap up in 2018.

“The safe and efficient flow of people and goods is crucial to keeping our economy moving forward,” said Fraser. “Your government is committed to investing strategically in transportation infrastructure to create jobs and improve our transportation links.”

Roundabouts allow for traffic to flow with less delay than signalized or four-way stop intersections, because traffic does not need to stop. How To Drive In A Single Lane Roundabout is available online.

Strategic investments in infrastructure are a key element of the New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan, the government’s framework for moving the economy forward. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s $688.2 million capital budget reflects the government’s priority to invest strategically in its buildings, highways and bridges.