No. H127/04 For release - December 20, 2004
FREDERICTON — The construction of the Route 2 east high-speed connector, Vanier Highway, in Fredericton has been completed. The announcement was made today by Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Andy Scott on behalf of federal Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre, New Brunswick Transportation Minister Paul Robichaud and Minister of Justice and Attorney General Brad Green.
The project cost $13.8 million, of which $8.3 million was shared equally by the federal and provincial governments under the Canada/New Brunswick Highway Improvement Program. The total contribution of the Province of New Brunswick to this project was $9.65 million and the federal contribution was $4.15 million.
Work involved the twinning of the existing two-lane highway between Doak Road and Vanier Industrial Drive, the construction of an interchange to connect Alison Boulevard and Wilsey Road South, as well as the construction of two parallel service roads. The project is located in one of the industrial sections of the City of Fredericton, with the Doak, Wilsey and Vanier roads servicing many businesses.
"The twinning of this section of highway as well as the construction of an interchange and access roads in Fredericton will provide safer access for visitors and residents and improve the flow of goods in this area," said Minister Scott. "It is an excellent example of cooperation between the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick."
"The elimination of three level intersections will provide a safer environment for the travelling public, as well as a smooth flow of traffic," Mr. Robichaud said. "Upgrading the highway system is crucial for New Brunswick, because it facilitates our continued participation in international trade and the global economy, and it encourages and nurtures interprovincial trade within Canada."
As part of the construction project, the Doak Road, Wilsey Road and Vanier Industrial Drive intersections have been eliminated.
"The enhancements to this highway will benefit local industries that rely on Canada's road network to get their goods to and from markets here in New Brunswick and outside the province," said Mr. Lapierre. "Programs such as this are vital to the economic well-being of Canada and all Canadians."
"These infrastructure improvements will increase the attractiveness of the capital region as a place to invest by demonstrating our commitment to providing residents with an environment that ensures a better quality of life in the long term," Mr. Green said. "The improvements will spur development in that area of the city by providing a more convenient access to businesses and industries from the Trans-Canada Highway."
Since 1993, the governments of Canada and New Brunswick have together committed $740 million to highway infrastructure and improvement projects in the province.
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Contacts:
Irène Marcheterre Director of Communications Office of the Minister, Ottawa (613) 991-0700
Alain Bryar Communications, NB Department of Transportation, (506) 453-5634
Jacques Gravel Transport Canada Communications, Ottawa (613) 993-0055
Mona Chiasson, Communications, Trans-Canada Highway Project (506) 453-3091
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