ST. STEPHEN, N.B. – The Province of New Brunswick and the State of Maine have agreed on the location of a new border crossing within the Town of St. Stephen and the City of Calais.

The new crossing will be located near the Calais Industrial Park.

“This is an historic day for the Calais/St. Stephen area,” say New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord and Maine Governor Angus King in a joint statement.

“Both governments have come to an agreement on a preferred location,” they say, “and are ready to move forward with the design of the new bridge and highway links.”

The project has been discussed for at least 25 years and is the eighth busiest truck crossing between the two countries.

“The current downtown crossing has been subject to countless backups and traffic delays over the years,” added the two politicians.

“Also, this new crossing will provide the necessary facilities to improve security at the border while at the same time facilitating trade between our two countries,” say Lord and King.

The Calais Industrial Park option was selected from among six initial alternatives that were later reduced to two, the other alternative being near the intersection of Route 9 and Route 1 in Baileyville, Me.

Both options extend from the current junction of the St. Stephen truck route with Church Street in St. Stephen and are compatible with plans for upgrading Route 1 in New Brunswick.

The Calais Industrial Park location was chosen because it will have fewer economic impacts, bypass effects, and community and social impacts.

This location has received strong public support from both the City of Calais and the Town of St. Stephen.

“Due to the amount of agencies and stakeholders involved, this was an incredibly complex decision-making process to undertake,” Lord and King say.

They also commended those involved with the process so far.

“Many agencies and individuals on both sides of the border have worked very hard on this project,” say Lord and King, “and deserve credit for making this much-awaited day happen.”