EDMUNDSTON, N.B. — Proponents of a four-lane highway between Riviere-du-Loup, Que., and Edmundston, N.B. say a new deal to twin some portions of the deadly road isn’t enough.

The Quebec and federal governments signed a new $217-million highway deal Friday to twin eight kilometres of the highway over the next three years. Critics say that still leaves another 86 km to go on the Quebec portion of the Trans-Canada Highway between Edmundston and Rivire-du-Loup.

“We need lots more than that,” Edmundston Mayor Jacques Martin said. “I’d really like to understand the commitment of the federal government. It seems like very little money when the whole project is estimated at $600 million.

Paul Crte, the Bloc Qubcois MP for the riding that incorporates much of the highway, said the funding announced Friday is quite insufficient.

“The 185 is the Trans-Canada, it has to be in good condition,” Crte said.

He said he was pleased that an announcement was made.

“This is a small step in the right direction,” said Benoit Couturier, president of the student association at the Universit de Moncton campus in Edmundston.

The student group has been pressing the federal and Quebec governments to improve the highway. Since 1992 more than 100 people have been killed in collisions on Route 185.

“We have to ensure the two governments continue to work together to ensure the highway is completely upgraded,” Couturier said