Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Jill Green speaks in the legislature on Dec. 9, 2021. (Image: Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick video capture)
New Brunswick’s transportation and infrastructure minister has unveiled the department’s capital budget for the upcoming year.
Jill Green told the legislature Thursday that the proposed $414-million budget marks a 15 per cent increase year over year.
“In 2022-23, we are tackling infrastructure deficits, environmental and climate change issues, projects that have been delayed because of budget pressures, and much-needed safety improvements,” said Green.
A majority of the budget, nearly $339 million, has been earmarked for the maintenance and improvement of highways, roads and bridges across the province.
More than $181 million of that will go toward provincial highways while almost $61 million has been set aside for the provincial bridge program.
That includes $11.7 million to continue upgrading work on the Centennial Bridge in Miramichi, $9.2 million for work on the Edmundston-Madawaska Bridge, and a further $10 million to begin replacing the Salmon River Bridge in Chipman.
Green said the department will also continue work on the Anderson Bridge in Miramichi, the Coles Island bridges, Harbour Bridge in Saint John, the Edmundston-Madawaska Bridge, and Route 11 from Shediac River to Little Bouctouche River.
The department has also budgeted money for the Brookside Drive roundabout project in Fredericton, an intersection Green said sees many collisions every year.
Green said the department has also increased its Municipal Designated Highway program budget by 50 per cent to $15 million.
“Our ability to assist our municipal partners with much-needed projects has significantly increased,” she said.
An additional $2 million will also be invested in the province’s wildlife management program, said Green.
There is also $81.8 million for the federal-provincial program, $53.3 million for public works and infrastructure, and $22 million for the Vehicle Management Agency.
Green said the budget represents a “major step” in closing the gap on their infrastructure deficit.
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