The $540-million Route 1 Gateway is now open, with its entire 240 kilometres from St. Stephen to River Glade now a divided four-lane highway.
“Today we celebrate investments which will not only improve transportation efficiency and traffic flows in New Brunswick, but will also benefit the economy by facilitating international trade through this crucial part of the Atlantic Gateway and Trade Corridor,” said New Brunswick Southwest MP John Williamson in a statement on Thursday.
“These strategic infrastructure investments to one of the major trade corridors between Atlantic Canada and the Eastern United States will further attract economic opportunities and are key to our gateway’s success.”
The project was comprised of two contracts with the province. Dexter Construction Company Ltd. was responsible for the design/build portion of the work, while Transfield Dexter Gateway Services Ltd. is responsible for the operation, maintenance and rehabilitation of the highway until 2040.
Eighty-five per cent of the labour was sourced in New Brunswick. At peak construction, about 700 jobs were created.
“Dexter Construction has taken a great deal of pride in this project from the beginning,” said Harry Varjabedien, project director, Dexter Construction Company Ltd. “The Route 1 Gateway is an incredible achievement that was accomplished through innovative thinking, careful planning, maximizing resources and team work by all parties involved.”
The project was completed on budget and nearly a year ahead of schedule.
The project was jointly funded by the governments of New Brunswick and Canada. The federal government contributed $210 million through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund, and through the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund. Export Development Canada was a key partner for Dexter Construction, providing both financing and bonding solutions.
DCN NEWS SERVICES
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