News Release

BATHURST(GNB) – The provincial government will invest more than $3.7 million in paving and chipseal projects in the Bathurst area this year as part of its 2018-19 capital budget.

“Your government knows these are key transportation links for residents of Bathurst and the entire Chaleur region,” said Justice and Public Safety Minister Denis Landry. “These investments are important for northern New Brunswick and these investments show that we are listening.”

Landry spoke on behalf of Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bill Fraser.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will pave a 4.3-kilometre section of Route 8 from the Tabusintac River Bridge towards Route 160, Route 340 between the Springfield Road area toward Church Road and a 3.5-kilometre section on Route 430 from the Railway Crossing area to Stella Street.

The department will also chipseal sections of Bellefeuille Street, Blanchard Street, Burnsville Road, Cole Street, Ernest Street, David Street, Goyette Street, Kelly Road, Legacy Road, Lloyd Road, Marcel Street, McGraw Road, Monica Street, Moore Street, Orion Street, Rachelle Street, Saint-Laurent Street, Saint-Patrick Street, Smith Court, Stella Street and Tourterelle Street.

Under the Municipal Designated Highway Program, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will fund, with the City of Bathurst, the paving of a one-kilometre section from 1930 Bridge St. to Sutherland Avenue.

“Bridge Street is an important artery for our residents and for tourists from the Acadian Peninsula who pass through Bathurst,” said Mayor Paolo Fongemie. “That is why we are thankful for the provincial government’s commitment. It will allow us to start this important project, along with an initial investment of $210,000 by the City of Bathurst. This is Phase 1 of road work that will cover a total distance of 4.5 kilometres.”

The program allows municipalities to apply for funding assistance for capital upgrade projects. Funding for the program has more than doubled since the 2014-15 fiscal year, increasing to $25 million in 2015. It has remained at that level as part of a government commitment to sustain funding for municipalities.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s $688.2 million capital budget reflects the government’s priority of investing strategically in its buildings, highways and bridges. Strategic investments in infrastructure are a key component of the multi-year New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan, the province’s framework for growing the economy and creating jobs.