Be prepared – there will be a lot of detours and temporary street closures in the central peninsula of the city beginning this year thanks to a major infrastructure announcement this morning.
Mayor Don Darling says a planned upgrade to underground water and sewer pipes in the city centre will ensure the area is ready for future growth. He says “it’s more than an infrastructure announcement – it’s about momentum” with new residential construction underway and the Fundy Quay development about to start.
The federal and provincial governments have joined forces with the city to fund a 38.7 million dollar upgrade of the oldest waste water system in the country. The project will see the existing sanitary and storm waste water systems separated with upgraded capacity. In addition – drinking water pipes will also be replaced and upgraded for capacity. The work will include restoring 79 blocks of 19 streets – a total of 7.5 kilometres. Some of the first tenders are expected to be released this month with work starting as soon as possible after a successful bidder is selected.
Saint John – Rothesay MP Wayne Long announced the federal government will provide 15.5 million dollars for the project – Saint John Harbour MLA and Minister responsible for Economic Development announced the province is partnering with 12.9 million dollars – and Mayor Don Darling says the city’s contribution is 10.3 million dollars. The project is expected to be completed by 2026.
