Flood-prone area in Saint John to receive major upgrade
A high traffic, flood-prone area in Saint John, N.B., is getting $8 million to go towards a major reconfiguration.
The money will see a portion of Retail Drive in the east side of the city raised and the elimination of one of two immediately adjacent signalized intersections.
The project also includes an upgrade to the storm water sewer system and the expansion of the sanitary sewer capacity, which the city says will reduce the risk of flooding and sewer backups.
"Our government is focused on making infrastructure investments that improve the lives of everyone in Saint John-Rothesay, and all New Brunswickers, and help us protect and develop our economy," said Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John-Rothesay, on behalf of Dominic LeBlanc, the minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, in a news release Monday.
"A safe and functional road like Retail Drive, a major corridor to East Point, ensures that residents and visitors of the City of Saint John can safely benefit from the growing retail centre."
The City of Saint John says additional benefits from the project include:
- upgraded pedestrian signals with sound, a countdown, and accessible ramps for improved pedestrian and motorist safety
- the addition of railway crossing gates and traffic signal pre-emption in the event of an approaching train
“Investments in critical infrastructure help mitigate the impacts of climate change for all Canadians. Upgrades to underground infrastructure and the realignment of Retail Drive will help mitigate the risk of flooding and major weather events due to climate change," said Saint John Mayor Donna Noade Reardon.
"It will also enhance public safety for pedestrians and motorists and the work helps pave the way for future growth in the area. Thanks to funding from our federal and provincial partners, the city can now proceed with this important project."
Of the funding, $2.8 million is coming from the federal government, $2.3 is being provided by the province, and $3.2 is coming from the City of Saint John.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Local MP, MLA call on federal government to remove sunken vessel in Saint John River
An MP and an MLA are calling for the removal of a sunken vessel in the Saint John River.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.