Canadian Government to improve James Bay Road with $205m investment
The governments of Canada and Quebec have agreed to invest nearly C$265m ($205m) to carry out major repairs to James Bay Road.
The project will cover entire stretch of the James Bay Road that spans 620km.
Works to be carried out include resurfacing of more than half of the road, replacement of culverts and road safety devices such as signage and guardrails.
More than C$108.3m ($83.8m) will be invested by the Government of Canada for this project under the New Building Canada Fund: Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component, National and Regional Projects.
Canadian Minister of Transport Marc Garneau said: “I am proud to announce significant funding for James Bay Road, one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure in northern Quebec.
"The Government of Canada is making investments that will immediately improve quality of life for Quebecers, while laying solid foundations for a strong, sustainable economy."
Quebec's regional authority to provide more than C$156.3m ($121.1m) from the Société du Plan Nord.
This includes C$150.9m ($116.9m) for repairs to James Bay Road and C$5.4m ($4.1m) for works to be carried out on the 90km stretch of Chisasibi Road.
Quebec Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Plan Nord Pierre Arcand said: "Improving access to the region north of the 49th parallel is a key condition for the success of the Plan Nord.
“The investments announced today are a major step in that direction since the James Bay Road is the preferred land route providing access to the western portion of the Plan Nord territory."
The works are expected to improve driving conditions across the region, as well as enhance the road life.
