ALMA, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - Dec. 2, 2016) - Improving connections to the Fundy Trail Parkway will mean smoother and safer access to some of New Brunswick's premier tourist attractions along the Fundy coast for tourists and residents alike. These vital upgrades to one of the province's most breathtaking destinations will attract visitors from near and far, creating ample economic opportunities for the region.

The Honourable Brian Gallant, Premier of New Brunswick and Alaina Lockhart, Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, today announced $45 million in federal-provincial funding for the Fundy Trail Connector Project.

This project will include a combination of new construction and rehabilitation of Little Salmon River Road, Creek Road, and Shepody Road. Once completed, these upgraded roads will form a connection to the eastern end of the Fundy Trail Parkway and connect major tourism attractions through the Alma region including Hopewell Rocks, Cape Enrage, and Fundy National Park, expanding the opportunities through the Bay of Fundy experience. The work will also provide travellers with a connection to the Sussex region.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada is contributing $13.2 million to this project. The remaining $32.3 million will be provided by the Province of New Brunswick.

• The Government of New Brunswick is managing the project in partnership with the private sector and is using both accelerated methods and phasing to ensure a connection to the eastern end of the Fundy Trail is open as soon as possible.

• The connector road to the Sussex region will open to traffic in late 2019, while the connector road to the Alma region will be upgraded by the end of 2020. All road surfacing and other finishing work will be completed and the project concluded in 2021.

• The second phase of the Fundy Trail Parkway, a closed-loop road from St. Martins to McCumber Brook kiosk and back to St. Martins, will be completed and opened in mid-2018 on schedule.

Quotes

"Completing the roads that connect the Fundy Trail Parkway through to Fundy National Park is just the beginning of a new era for the tourism industry in Southern New Brunswick. I will continue to work with the Government of Canada in close partnership with the Province of New Brunswick to ensure we make smart infrastructure investments that contribute to economic development and help grow our middle class right here in Fundy Royal. We are creating a world class destination that will attract people from around the world to experience the beauty we know and love here in our own backyard."

Alaina Lockhart, Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"We are listening to New Brunswickers and focusing on their priorities. We know how important tourism is to the economy. This investment will increase the number of tourists who visit our province and help create jobs."

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.

Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component - 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