Winding Road
Atlantic Road Report March 2026

The Atlantic Road Report: March 2026

News and views collected from around the Atlantic region so you don’t have to!

Newfoundland: Projects to improve water and sewer systems in Conception Bay South

An investment of more than $6.8 million from provincial, federal and municipal governments was announced today for municipal infrastructure improvements in the Town of Conception Bay South.

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The Honourable Barry Petten, Deputy Premier and Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, announced the funding today at an event in Conception Bay South. Minister Petten was joined by Paul Connors, Member of Parliament for Avalon and His Worship Darrin Bent, Mayor of Conception Bay South.

To support further housing development in the Town of Conception Bay South, water and sewer services in the town are being expanded through this joint investment. The funding will facilitate the installation of new drinking water and new sewer lines, provide continued service to 55 housing units, and will enable the development of at least 65 new housing units. The expanded infrastructure will open up additional vacant land for residential construction, including lots along Legion Road in the town.

This project will support Conception Bay South’s future growth and enhance residents’ quality of life. It also aligns with the new government’s commitment to multi‑year planning for roads, water, and sewer infrastructure, as well as prioritizing funding for municipalities working to strengthen their water systems.

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“When provincial, federal and municipal governments work together, we can deliver projects that make a real difference for communities. This infrastructure expansion will support new housing in Conception Bay South and helps ensure that the community has reliable water and sewer infrastructure essential for long-term planning and continued growth,” said the
Honourable Barry Petten,
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

New Brunswick: Centennial Bridge project update

The first full closure of the Centennial Bridge in Miramichi will take place this year.

“First, I want to say that I understand the frustration of the people in Miramichi who have been hearing about a planned closure for the last number years, only for it to not happen for one reason or another,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Chuck Chiasson. “We have awarded the contract for the next phase of the project and are confident in the plan that is being put in place to get this work underway.”

The bridge is expected to be fully closed between April 1 and Dec. 1 in both 2026 and 2027 to replace the bridge deck on the north and south approach spans. An additional closure will be needed to carry out the final phase, replacing the bridge deck for the centre spans.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure and the City of Miramichi will host an open house on Feb. 26 at the Miramichi Agricultural Exhibition Association, 24 Church St., to inform people about the work being done and to discuss the mitigation measures being put in place.

The government has confirmed that it will support a number of mitigation measures with the City of Miramichi, including a signed detour route, and will be providing financial relief for additional fire and police services on both sides of the bridge during the closure, increased public transit service, as well as funding for additional accessible transit vehicles. Additionally, a water taxi is planned to operate during the summer months in 2026.

“The safety of the travelling public is a priority for our government,” said Chiasson. “We are committed to getting this project completed and are working with our partners at the City of Miramichi and in the community to provide assistance with some of the traffic delays that will be caused by this planned closure.”

The Centennial Bridge is a vital transportation link in Miramichi, carrying Route 8 and Route 11 traffic across the Miramichi River. With a height of about 73 metres and length of 1.1 kilometres, the bridge is one of the largest structures in the province.

“The City of Miramichi recognizes the significant disruption the closure will cause in the community, but also understands the importance and necessity of the work in renewing our flagship Centennial Bridge,” said Miramichi Mayor Adam Lordon. “As such, we have been preparing mitigation plans for city services to minimize disruption, especially in public safety, and will be communicating those at every opportunity over the next few weeks alongside the province.”

During these closures, motorists are encouraged to consider alternatives, such as working from home, walking, biking, carpooling, using public transit and completing errands outside of heavy traffic times.

Nova Scotia: Province supports growth for municipalities

The Province is investing in critical infrastructure projects so municipalities can expand services, support housing growth and build more inclusive communities.

Eighteen projects will receive $15 million in total, covering up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, from the Growth and Renewal for Infrastructure Development Program.

“These investments help municipalities with the infrastructure they need to support development and drive growth,” said John A. MacDonald, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “By strengthening core services, enhancing climate resiliency and increasing accessibility, we’re helping to lay the foundation for more housing, more opportunity, and a better quality of life for residents across Nova Scotia.”

Since 2021, the Province has committed nearly $500 million to support municipalities with critical infrastructure projects, including water, stormwater, disaster mitigation, accessibility and transit.

“We are pleased that our application has received this level of support from the government. The improvements will be directed to the Windsor water treatment facility and help to address existing redundancy requirements with our water treatment process while helping to future proof our utility for existing and future customers. We remain committed to investing in our now consolidated water utility to accommodate growth and to ensure ongoing quality water to our community. This project aligns with the capital plans for the municipality, including the recent addition of a new water tower in the Garlands Crossing area ” said Abraham Zebian, Mayor of West Hants Regional Municipality.

The full list of projects receiving funding for the 2025-26 application year is at: https://www.novascotia.ca/documents/growth-and-renewal-infrastructure-development-program-grant-recipients

Prince Edward Island: Shoreline protection planned for Murchison Lane

A new shoreline protection project on Murchison Lane in Charlottetown will improve trail safety, protect access to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), and safeguard hospital lands by reducing coastal erosion and flooding.

Coastal erosion and flooding in the area have increased the risk to the road and the nearby shoreline trail, which is used by residents as well as QEH patients, visitors and staff.

Work will take place in two phases. In early February, crews will install 350 linear meters of stone bank protection along the most vulnerable sections of cliff beside the shoreline trail. 

In the winter of 2026–27, offshore stone sills will be added at strategic locations to stabilize and foster additional growth of existing salt marsh plants, which will reduce onshore wave impacts.  Vegetated and forested areas along the bluff will also be restored.

The effort will protect the road and trail while also helping restore the nearby salt marsh. Salt marshes function as a natural buffer, absorbing wave action and reducing shore erosion. 

This project aligns with findings from the province’s State of the Coast report, which highlights coastal erosion and flooding as growing risks to roads, trails, and other infrastructure. It will also provide the background information needed to develop policies that support better coastal management.

Work is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

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