ST. STEPHEN, N.B. — A new 23-kilometre section of highway has been opened at a ceremony in St. Stephen, N.B. This upgrade, with investments from both the federal and provincial governments, is another investment leading to the completion of the first new border crossing to the US in Atlantic Canada in 30 years.

“Our government is investing in infrastructure to create a better network of highways to encourage job creation and to promote a strong working economy with our neighbours from the South,” said Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs. “Our partnership in the completion of Route 1 serves as another example of how we are getting things done for Canadians.”

The newly constructed highway section is part of a larger project to complete the twinning and rehabilitation of Route 1, the construction of a new border crossing facility and a new international bridge between St. Stephen and Calais. Twenty-three kilometres of four-lane highway on Route 1 between Church Street (St. Stephen) and Route 127 (Waweig River) were opened to traffic today. The international bridge is expected to be open in summer 2009.

“The completion of this highway is another Charter for Change commitment that will bring forth very tangible results,” said Shawn Graham, Premier of New Brunswick. “It is an example of our self-sufficiency agenda at work, investing in strategic infrastructure between Calais-St. Stephen and Saint John that will develop the New Brunswick Energy Hub and make our province more competitive.”

“This project represents the kind of collaboration that is necessary to make our highways safer while also creating economic development opportunities,” said Denis Landry, Minister of Transportation. “This major undertaking reflects a positive relationship between our governments that is making a difference for people and communities.”

The St. Stephen bypass project will significantly reduce congestion inside the urban area and at the existing local border, officials said in a release. It will also help modernize the Canada-US border through improved infrastructure, new technology and shared information for safe and efficient movement of goods and people.

The federal government has contributed $30 million towards the St. Stephen bypass project through the $600-million Border Infrastructure Fund.

The fund provides financial assistance for infrastructure projects that reduce border congestion, improve the flow of goods and services, and expand existing infrastructure.