News Release

PLASTER ROCK (GNB) – The provincial government is investing in two major bridges over the Tobique River this year as part of its capital budget.

Phase II of the project on the bridge over the Tobique power dam will continue, and a multi-year repair of the Tobique River Bridge connecting the Village of Plaster Rock with Route 108 will get underway.

“Strategic investments in transportation infrastructure are a key element in job creation and economic growth,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bill Fraser. “By making the right investments at the right time, we are improving and maintaining our roads and bridges while moving the economy forward.”

Extensive repairs of the Tobique River Bridge No. 1, which crosses the Tobique River dam, has been ongoing since 2016. Phase II of the project is expected to be completed this year, with a third phase planned for the future.

A tender will be awarded this month for a two-year repair of the Tobique River Bridge No. 4 in Plaster Rock. This year’s work will include repairs to pier caps and beam ends and replacement of the bearing. Next year, partial depth replacement of the bridge deck, replacement of the expansion joints and upgrades to the traffic barrier system will occur.

“Both of these bridges are important components of our regional transportation network,” said Carleton-Victoria MLA Andrew Harvey. “These projects will ensure that our businesses can continue to get their goods to market and our residents can get where they need to go.”

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 priority to invest strategically in its buildings, highways and bridges.

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