Restoration of vital causeway along Petitcodiac River to improve tidal flow and enhance regional tourism

RIVERVIEW, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - Dec. 16, 2016) - Investing in smart and sustainable infrastructure is integral to building accessible and prosperous communities and to ensuring a clean environment for the future. A new permanent bridge over the Petitcodiac River connecting the Town of Riverview with the City of Moncton will mean a safer, more reliable crossing for commuters and tourists, and a restored tidal flow that will greatly enhance eco-tourism and economic growth for the region.

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Beauséjour, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Premier Brian Gallant, announced more than $61.6 million in federal-provincial funding to support Phase 3 of the Petitcodiac River Restoration Project.

Work involves replacing the existing aging river gate structure with a new, higher, 240-metre steel girder bridge and realigning and widening the river channel. These improvements will expand on the work achieved through Phases 1 and 2 of the broader River Restoration Project to improve tidal flow and permanently extend the river estuary upstream.

Achieving full tidal flow will greatly enhance eco-tourism, along with commercial and recreational fishing, by restoring the fish passage and fully re-establishing the breathtaking Petitcodiac River tidal bore, which attracts tourists from near and far. The new structure will also serve as a safe and reliable passage for commuters and tourists who can easily connect from Riverview to the neighboring Moncton by car, bike or foot.

The Government of Canada is contributing $28.7 million to this project, representing 50 per cent of the estimated $57.4 million total eligible project cost. The Province of New Brunswick will provide the remaining $32.9 million.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is working in close partnership with New Brunswick to ensure we make smart infrastructure investments that help grow the middle class and promote economic development. More than a new crossing for commuters and pedestrians, this bridge marks the final stage of re-establishing the natural beauty of the Petitcodiac River tidal bore, the abundance of our fish population, and the fullness of this vibrant waterway that is so integral to the health and prosperity of our region."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Member of Parliament for Beauséjour, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Decades ago, some mistakes were made regarding the Petitcodiac bridge. The message today, as New Brunswickers we get to make things right for the environment for future generations. This investment will create jobs in the short term and help boost tourism in the New Brunswick. We have been talking about the restoration of the Petitcodiac River for as long as I can remember, by working together with the Trudeau government we are getting it done."

Brian Gallant, Premier of New Brunswick

Associated links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan: http://www.budget.gc.ca/fes-eea/2016/docs/themes/infrastructure-en.html.

Federal infrastructure investments in New Brunswick: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html.

New Building Canada Fund-National and Regional Projects: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nrp-pnr-prog-eng.html.

New Building Canada Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html.

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada