More streets than expected will be resurfaced this year in Saint John thanks to additional provincial funding.

The city is getting an extra $1.3 million through the province’s Municipally Designated Highways Program.

Municipalities usually have to cost-share the work, but the province is willing to cover the full cost as long as it is completed before the end of March 2023.

The additional streets identified for resurfacing include Rothesay Road from Fulton Lane to Pride Rock Court; Samuel Davis Drive from Somerset Street to Sandy Point Road; Kennebecasis Drive from the Sommerville Ferry Landing to Sandy Point Road; and Sandy Point Road from Foster Thurston Drive to Kennebecasis Drive.

“Each of these street sections are in poor condition and were planned for resurfacing next year, or in 2025 in the case of the latter,” said a staff report to council.

City staff said the province has also agreed to fund a portion of work on Sandy Point Road from Tucker Park Road to Foster Thurston Drive which was already completed as part of the scope of this year’s work.

They noted there is a risk the additional work will push paving into late in the season beyond the optimum temperature range.

“Based on discussions with the Contractor staff are confident that this additional scope of work can be
completed by the deadline established by the Province,” said the report.

In April, council awarded a $7-million tender to Galbraith Construction Ltd. to complete this year’s resurfacing work.