News Release

MONCTON (GNB) – The provincial government will fund four infrastructure projects in Moncton this year under the Municipal Designated Highway Program. These will be funded jointly with the municipality.

“Your government is listening to the needs of municipalities and is getting things done,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bill Fraser. “It is important that municipalities like the City of Moncton have a strong partner at the provincial level, and that is what we are reaffirming with the announcement of these projects.”

One project involves paving 800 metres of Elmwood Drive, from Massey Street to civic number 320. The three remaining projects will involve micro-surfacing along city streets, including:

• 2.9 km of Main Street, from Lutz Street to Wheeler Boulevard

• 600 metres of Gorge Road, from civic number 304 to King’s Bridge Boulevard

• 2 km of Mountain Road, from Ryan Street to Gorge Road

Another 300 metres of micro-surfacing on the Mountain Road project at the Route 15 interchange will be funded solely by the provincial government. Micro-surfacing helps extend the lifespan of existing infrastructure.

Under the program, municipalities apply for funding assistance for capital upgrade projects. The government received more than $210 million in funding requests through the program this year.

“Your government is committed to making strategic investments in public infrastructure,” said Fraser. “These projects help spur economic development and job creation while ensuring our infrastructure is well maintained.”

The province’s $775.6-million capital budget, which includes the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s capital budget of $638.5 million, reflects the government’s commitment to invest in its buildings, highways and bridges.

“The City of Moncton is New Brunswick’s economic centre,” said Mayor Dawn Arnold. “We are pleased to have secured funding from our provincial partners for these projects, which will help ensure that our community continues to grow and thrive.”

Funding for the Municipal Designated Highway 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.

Strategic investments in infrastructure are a key component of the New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan, the government’s framework for growing the economy and creating jobs.