Another Milestone For Fundy Trail Parkway

The Fundy Trail Parkway project has hit another milestone with the official opening of a new road and observation deck.

Several municipal, provincial and federal politicians were on hand for the opening Tuesday.

The new road extends about 13 kilometres from the eastern gate toward Creek Road, south of Sussex.

Up until now, anyone who visited the parkway would have to enter and exit from the western end near St. Martins.

“After 25 years of dedication and hard work, we are pleased to reach a new milestone in the development of the Fundy Trail Parkway project,” said Greg Turner, president of the Fundy Trail Development Authority Inc., in a news release.

“So many people have envisioned and dreamed about developing this beautiful area where visitors can view the natural, unspoiled beauty of the Bay of Fundy coast. Today’s openings will allow the park to develop even more in the future.”

Tuesday also marked the official opening of a new observation deck which provides a view over Walton Glen Gorge. The area also offers a unique experience for visitors at the Little Salmon River Protected Natural Area.

Premier Blaine Higgs said Tuesday’s announcement was a long time coming but well worth the wait.

“This is a magnificent addition to what Tourism New Brunswick has to offer and is sure to put our province on the map when it comes to must-see destinations,” said Higgs in a statement.

Federal Economic Development and Official Languages Minister Mélanie Joly, who is also the minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, described the opening as a “huge step forward” for tourism in this part of New Brunswick.

The provincial and federal governments spent $45 million on the two projects over the past four years.

The connector road to Sussex and the observation deck are part of the Fundy Trail Parkway project, which began in 1995 with the objective of creating a world-class destination. At that time, it included an area that ended at Big Salmon River.

Once the bridge located at Big Salmon River was completed in 2008, a further expansion was possible, and the parkway was completed in 2018.

A connector road to Alma is expected to be finished in 2021.