New N.B. Trans-Can extension complete

LONGS CREEK, N.B. — A 29-km, four-lane stretch of new Trans-Canada Highway was officially opened in New Brunswick this week.

Representatives from the federal and provincial governments gathered to mark the completion of the $125-million project between Pokiok and Longs Creek.

This project, in conjunction with other projects funded under the Canada/New Brunswick Agreement for the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway, will result in the completion of a four-lane access-controlled highway from Halifax to the Quebec border. This new section of highway is expected to significantly reduce the overall accident rate and the number of fatalities as well as improve highway efficiency by reducing traffic congestion, the government says.

This work consisted of the construction of a new four-lane highway to bypass 33.4 km of two-lane Trans-Canada Highway (Route 2) between Pokiok and Longs Creek. Interchanges were constructed at Pokiok and Route 635 at Prince William near Kings Landing. The Pokiok interchange includes a 1 km connector road to the existing Route 2 interchange, which will allow traffic to cross Hawkshaw Bridge over the St. John River and travel to Nackawic. Bridges were constructed to cross the Pokiok Stream and Jewetts Creek.

The service roads at Kings Landing and the Pokiok connector road were realigned. The project also included several other smaller bridges and overpasses and 32 linear km of wildlife fencing.