MARYSVILLE, N.B. — The chairman of a lobby group pushing for an $8.5-million truck bypass around Marysville is urging supporters to start calling the province.

Marty Brown briefed city council Monday night on the launch of an information campaign to convince the provincial government that 30 years is long enough to wait for a solution to a serious safety problem.

Within the next week or so, the www.marysvillebypass.com Web site will be up and running with background information. Brochures are already circulating.

But Brown says citizens who support the cause need to phone, write or e-mail Fredericton-Fort Nashwaak MLA Eric MacKenzie.

In 1974, the province and city permitted truckers to use Canada and Bridge streets as a truck route through the city, but the measure was intended to be temporary, Brown says.

Since then, Brown says, the growth in heavy truck traffic and expanding residential development have created a dangerous mix.

The Marysville bypass lobby group wants a provincial commitment to budget to start route construction in 2004.

Brown said by urging construction of one component of the route – a section near Penniac connecting the Ring Road to Marysville – the committee is putting out a solution that the province has already researched, designed and for which some land has already been acquired.