PLASTER ROCK (CNB) - A key trucking route in northern New Brunswick will be improved this fall, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams announced today.

The Trout Brook Bridge on Route 109 will be upgraded to accommodate trucks with a 50,000 kg load capacity.  

"Our government is responding to members of the business community, who tell us that the current 43,500 kg rating on the bridge causes them to detour via Grand Falls or load at less than capacity, in order to reach businesses in western New Brunswick and the United States," said Williams. "This improvement will ultimately result in cost-savings and greater efficiency for local companies."

The Department of Transportation has evaluated the route, including structures, and determined that the gross vehicle weight rating of all of Route 109 can now be increased from 43,500 kg to 50,000 kg with improvements to the Trout Creek Bridge.

The bridge will be reinforced through the application of a fiber product that will strengthen the bridge beams. Work is expected to be completed in the fall.


21-07-11