No. H 146/09
For release - October 23, 2009
Content revised October 26, 2009
Photo(s)

Governments of Canada and New Brunswick mark the groundbreaking of Route 7 Welsford Bypass

WELSFORD, NEW BRUNSWICK — The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Regional Minister for New Brunswick; Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John; New Brunswick Tourism and Parks Minister Stuart Jamieson; and Energy Minister and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Fundy-River Valley Jack Keir today marked the start of construction of the 10.7-kilometre Route 7 bypass between Welsford and Nerepis.

"Our government is committed to creating jobs and stimulating our economy through projects that will bring both immediate and long-term benefits," said Minister Thompson. "This addition to the Welsford Bypass will relieve traffic congestion and improve safety for all motorists around Welsford. We are proud to work with our provincial colleagues to create a network of modern highways across New Brunswick and throughout Canada."

"As part of our government's plan for a stronger economy, we are injecting major dollars in capital projects such as the Welsford Bypass that help put people to work," said Minister Keir, who attended on behalf of New Brunswick Transportation Minister Denis Landry. "Options for this route have been discussed for over 30 years and to see construction underway is a major milestone. Motorists will enjoy a safer and more efficient route between Saint John and Fredericton."

The total cost for the construction of the bypass, which includes $29.2 million for Phase 1, is estimated at $64.8 million. The governments of Canada and New Brunswick, under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, jointly funded Phase 1 of the Welsford Bypass. The federal contribution for this first phase of the project is $13.5 million.

New Brunswick has awarded several contracts to advance Phase 1 of the project. Debly Enterprises Ltd. of Saint John was the successful bidder on a $5-million contract for 2.1 kilometres of grading work from Mount Douglas to Route 101. St. Isidore Asphalte Ltée, the successful bidder for a contract valued at over $7.7 million, has started a 2.5-kilometre grading project that runs from the Transmission Line to the County Line area. In addition, clearing work has been completed on 9.6 kilometres. Totalling $164,000, these three contracts were awarded earlier this year to Debly Forest Services Ltd, W & R Gillespie Ltd and Matt Harris & Son Ltd.

The Welsford area is the only segment of Route 7 that has not been extensively upgraded or bypassed by a new highway alignment. It is scheduled to be complete in 2012.

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