Route 120: Edmundston and Haut-Madawaska mayors concerned by provincial government inaction

Jun 4, 2024

The mayor of Edmundston, Eric Marquis, and the mayor of Haut-Madawaska, Jean-Pierre Ouellet, are calling for a specific action plan, without delay, to refurbish the culverts and sections of Route 120 severely damaged by the torrential rains of June 2023.

In the aftermath of the exceptional storm of June 29, 2023, Route 120, which links the Haut-Madawaska region to Edmundston, was completely severed in two places due to landslides and damaged culverts. Temporary work was carried out and completed last November, with indications that a full rehabilitation would be carried out this summer.

However, despite repeated requests from Edmundston and Haut-Madawaska elected officials and management, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has yet to confirm the start of the work.

"We are very concerned about the major work which needs to be carried out on Route 120. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’ blatant lack of communication with the public is incomprehensible. It's us, the elected municipal officials, who receive the questions from the population, but we have no answers," explains Edmundston mayor, Eric Marquis.

Haut-Madawaska mayor Jean-Pierre Ouellet agrees. "I can't understand why this project isn't a priority, when last summer, they wanted to do the work all at once. I'm very concerned about safety of our population, and I wonder if the temporary work done last fall will withstand the next floods."

Mayors Marquis and Ouellet have joined forces to demand immediate action from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. "We can no longer tolerate inaction. The population of Edmundston and the Upper Madawaska region is being held hostage by the Province in this matter," conclude Mayors Marquis and Ouellet.

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CONTACTS :

Mr. Eric Marquis                                                        Mr. Jean-Pierre Ouellet

Mayor of Edmundston                                              Mayor of Haut-Madawaska

506.739.2115                                                             506.258.3030