SHEDIAC (GNB) – Work will soon begin on the twinning of Route 11 between Route 15 and the Shediac River thanks to funding from the provincial and federal governments.
“Strategic infrastructure investments are a cornerstone of our government’s plan to create jobs and stimulate New Brunswick’s economy,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “Route 11 is a key transportation corridor for many businesses from all regions throughout the province. These upgrades to Route 11 will facilitate the movement of people and goods which will in turn help us create jobs and will improve highway safety.”
Phase 1 includes twinning 6.8 kilometres of highway from Route 15 to the south side of the Shediac River, construction of one new interchange, as well as a new grade separation and modifications to three other existing interchanges. The 2015-16 provincial capital budget allocated $19.2 million to begin this work through the provincial government’s Strategic Infrastructure Initiative.
The Route 11 twinning project was selected to receive funding for up to half of the eligible costs, to a maximum of $27 million under the federal government’s New Building Canada Plan.
“I am pleased that we are starting construction on Route 11,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Roger Melanson. “This project is of great importance for safety, trucking, trade and travel. It will also boost our economy, both in the short-term through immediate job creation and in the long-term through the building of strategic infrastructure to support economic development.”
Route 11 is a part of the national highway system. The section of highway to be twinned in the Shediac area has a traffic count of about 19,000 vehicles per day with seasonal peaks exceeding this volume. One of the busiest areas is the Shediac interchange at Route 15 where traffic flowing from Moncton, Cap-Pelé, Scoudouc, Prince Edward Island, Shediac and further north meets.
“The federal government is committed to supporting our communities so we can ensure a better quality of life for all Canadians and their families” said Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Robert Goguen. “With the New Building Canada Fund, our government’s support for public infrastructure and strengthening our communities has never been stronger. We are pleased to work with the Government of New Brunswick to invest in Highway 11 and approve other projects under the New Building Canada Fund. These investments are focused on creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada.”
Goguen attended the event for Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Denis Lebel.
Tenders are now being prepared for the following work during the 2015 construction season:
- Route 15 westbound lanes realignment and the installment of a large precast concrete box culvert under the west and eastbound lanes of Route 15, including grading and paving of the detour.
- Twin 2.1 kilometres and grade the new Route 11 southbound lanes between Route 134 and the Shediac River.
- A new Route 133 interchange will be constructed on the extension of the current Route 133. As well modifications will be made to the Route 134 northbound ramp, and the service road will be extended to Route 133.
- A new underpass will be built on Route 133.
- A grading, paving, signing and lighting contract will complete the new Route 11 southbound lanes and the Route 134 northbound ramps.
