The long-awaited extension of Dieppe Boulevard will start over the next few months, officials announced Friday.

All three levels of government will spend a combined $42 million on the project, which is expected to take four years.

Dieppe Boulevard will be extended by roughly two kilometres, from its existing limit east of Belle-Forêt to Amirault.

The three-phase project will also include the installation of water and sewer lines, a storm sewer component, culverts over watercourses, curbs, a new water tower and asphalt paving.

Multipurpose trails will also be built alongside the road, according to a news release from the city.

“The rapid growth of our population continues to generate housing and transportation needs. Extending Dieppe Boulevard will enable us to support this growth,” Mayor Yvon Lapierre said in the release.

Officials said the expansion will also enable the servicing of 500 acres of development-ready land along the Dieppe Boulevard extension, potentially generating more than $18 million annually in property taxes alone.

Marc-André Cormier, director of engineering for the City of Dieppe, said the preliminary design of the boulevard is 95 per cent complete.

“Consultations with Indigenous peoples are also slated to take place in 2024, and discussions with landowners are ongoing,” Cormier said in the release.

The city said it will hold public consultations so residents can share their ideas and feedback on future development in the area.

Moncton South MLA Greg Turner said extending Dieppe Boulevard will support the population and economic growth being experienced by the region.

“The new infrastructure will service new developments and support both housing and transportation needs,” said Turner.

The federal government is contributing $21 million toward the province, the province is spending nearly $14 million, and the city will cover the remaining $7 million, plus land acquisition costs.