34 roads remain closed across New Brunswick as flood recedes

Drivers are facing fewer detours as many of the roads that were once closed because of the flood are starting to reopen.

Transportation minister says costs for roadway repairs will be 'significant'

Elizabeth Fraser · CBC News ·
Schools, ferries and roads have all been closed because of this year's flood. But things are slowly getting back to normal as water levels continue to drop. (CBC)

Drivers are facing fewer detours as many of the roads that were once closed because of the flood are starting to reopen.

Water levels across the province are dipping below flood stage, meaning it'll be a lot easier to get around in coming days.

    Transportation Minister Bill Fraser said 160 roads have been affected by this year's major flood, a number that continues to fluctuate as water levels recede.

    Meanwhile, 34 roads remain closed as the province continues to work on them.

    Most ferries across the province have also reopened with the exception of the Belleisle Bay Ferry, which is set to open in coming days.

    Fraser still doesn't know the total cost of roadway damage from this year's flood, but said it will be "significant." 

    "Our department continues to focus on the restoration of these key transportation links in a safe and timely manner," he said during an interview with Information Morning Fredericton on Tuesday.

    "There's still some areas of the province where water is at a level where we still can't get in and do a full assessment."

    As of Monday, he said there are no longer any communities that are isolated, a key priority for the province.

    "During the time we were responding to the immediate needs of the flood, we also commenced recovery, planning to ensure we can hit the ground running once the water started to recede" he said.

    Meanwhile, a team of engineers are currently travelling to affected areas and doing assessments on roads and bridges throughout the province.  

    Even though some roads are reopening, here is a list of flood-related road closures.

    District 5 - Fredericton

    District boundaries for New Brunswick from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. (GNB)
    • Fanjoy Point Road off Route 105
    • Craft Cove Road at the intersection of Route 710 and 705
    • Merritt Smith Road from the intersection of Mills Road north to the end of the road.
    • Robinson Point Road from the Bald Hill intersection to Kings and Queens county line in the Wickham area.
    • Starkey Covered Bridge, from Starkey Road from Route 10 to Route 710
    • Backland Road from Route 102 down by Pelvin road, 32 kilometres south of route 2
    • Route 690 from Pond Stream Road to Douglas Harbour Road.
    • Route 105 from Bluebird Corner to McGowan's Corner
    • Tweedside Road from the end of the chipseal to the gravel section to the gravel portion as far as Route 3 Brockway.
    • Frasier Road between Mainstream Road and Ashland Road
    • Campbell Hill Road from civic number 60 to West Glassville Road
    • Kenneth Road from West Glassville Road to West Cross Road

    District 4 - Saint John

    • Mill Creek #1 Bridge (M-418) at Westfield Road in Saint John
    • Route 745 near Beaconsfield Road, dirt section only
    • Elms Road from Ferry Road to Route 705
    • Browns Cove Road in the Kars area
    • Milkish Creek Road between Milkish Creek Road
    • Norton Shore Road in Lower Norton

    District 2 - Miramichi

    • Russellville Road along the gravel portion
    • Route 430, at C.I. Road from civic number 12915 to 12885

    ​District 1 - Bathurst​

    • ​Tetagouche North Road, for 200 metres from North Tetagouche Road