New processes aim to decrease traffic delays and speed up project timelines.
The City of Fredericton has announced seven major improvement projects for the 2024 capital construction season and several neighbourhood improvement projects. These construction projects are part of the City’s ongoing investment in flood mitigation work, replacing aging infrastructure, while creating safer roads and streets.
One of the bigger projects this year, is the first phase of a major infrastructure renewal project on Main Street. This is a multi-year project and part of the City’s Main Street Urban Design Plan. It will transform the street into a more functional and pedestrian friendly gateway to northside neighbourhoods and the business district.
The City is also investing in flood mitigation work in Lincoln, Riverside Drive and the downtown. Building resilience to flooding is a major priority for the City and has been part of our plans for decades. Upgrading underground infrastructure and creating safer stretches of road at the same time means we won’t need to disrupt these areas with construction work for many years.
“Construction is necessary for growing and evolving cities like Fredericton,” said Coun. Bruce Grandy, Chair of the City’s Mobility Committee. “Construction projects keep our drinking water clean; sewer and storm systems functioning, reduce the risk of flooding and ensure safe travel around the city.”
The City has made improvements following the 2023 construction season. The City is using a Request for Proposal (RFP) model when selecting contractors for critical, high impact work that will evaluate bids not just on cost, but project schedule, phasing and more. Project tenders are going out earlier in the year giving contractors the ability to start – and finish – projects earlier. Clear expectations with consultants on issues related to design and on-site duties have been set and senior staff are having ongoing discussions with utilities to find solutions to conflicting work schedules.
“Council recognizes the 2023 construction season was challenging for everyone,” added Coun. Grandy. “The 2024 construction season will not be without delays or inconveniences, but we are confident that we’ve taken appropriate measures to make this year’s construction season as seamless as possible for residents.”
Major Infrastructure Projects in 2024
Major infrastructure projects are infrastructure renewal projects that impact major roadways, and last for several months. These projects may have impacts on nearby businesses and commuter traffic and often involve the replacement of buried pipes that are at the end of their usable life.
Major infrastructure projects for 2024 include:
- Killarney Lake Roundabout: (Brookside / St. Mary’s)
- Full closure of Brookside Drive north of Glennorth Street.
- Main Street (Phase 1): Hawkins to Seymour Street
- Phased closure of Main Street to through traffic from Hawkins to Seymour Street for the duration of construction.
- Northumberland Street (Phase 1): Queen to Brunswick Street
- Phased closure of Northumberland from Queen to Brunswick Street, east / west traffic in either direction to be maintained.
- Officers’ Square
- Regent Street (Phase 3): George Street to Churchill Row
- Full closure of Regent Street from George Street to Churchill Row
- Riverside Drive (Phase 2): Sumac Street to Corbett Avenue
- Full closure of Riverside Drive from Sumac St. to Corbett Ave to through traffic for the duration of construction.
- Woodstock Road Storm Sewer Upgrade
- Full closure of Woodstock Road at Garden Creek to Still Water Crescent through traffic for the duration of construction.
During construction season, residents can help reduce traffic congestion by exploring flexible work schedules, walking, biking, carpooling, using transit, allowing extra time to complete errands, and reducing or combining trips across the bridge, and around the city.
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