New Brunswick
New Brunswick's infrastructure requires investment to improve transportation, upgrade digital connectivity, and promote economic sustainability.
New Brunswick, a province in eastern Canada, has an extensive infrastructure system that includes roads, bridges, water systems, and public transportation. While the province has made some significant investments in recent years to upgrade its infrastructure, there are still areas where improvement is needed.
One area of focus for the province has been its roads and bridges. According to the Canadian Infrastructure Report Card 2016, New Brunswick has the highest percentage of structurally deficient bridges in the country, with over 22% of its bridges rated as being in poor or very poor condition. The province has allocated significant funds towards bridge and road repairs, with over $800 million committed to the construction and rehabilitation of highways and bridges between 2020 and 2023.
Another key infrastructure challenge in New Brunswick is its aging water and wastewater systems. The province has over 500 communities that rely on aging infrastructure for their water supply and sewage treatment. A 2019 report by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities estimated that New Brunswick would need to spend approximately $375 million over the next decade to upgrade its water and wastewater systems to meet current standards.
Public transportation is also an area of focus for the province. In 2020, the province announced a five-year investment plan for public transit, with $25 million committed to improving and expanding transit services across the province. The plan includes funding for new buses, improved accessibility features, and enhanced transit infrastructure.
Overall, while there are still infrastructure challenges to address in New Brunswick, the province has made significant progress in recent years towards upgrading and improving its infrastructure system. With continued investment and focus, New Brunswick can continue to strengthen its infrastructure and support the needs of its residents and businesses.