Union Street Improvement Project : Learn More and Ask Us Questions

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Consultation has concluded

The City of Fredericton is undertaking a major infrastructure improvement project on Union Street beginning June 21 and ending in mid-September. Major infrastructure projects are renewal projects that impact major roadways and last for several months. With these projects, the City combines:

  • underground infrastructure fixes (water, sewer, storm pipes)
  • road work
  • active transportation updates (trails and bus stops)
  • On-street parking

Doing all this work at once means City shouldn’t need to return to perform upgrades and disrupt a major roadway like Union Street for another 20 years.

What is being accomplished with the Union Street improvement project?

  • Replacing water, sanitary, and storm sewer piping that are nearing the end of their useful life.
  • Raising the elevation of Union Street and upgrading the storm system to help guard against major flooding in the area, as per the City's Climate Change Adaptation Plan (see the Plan, on the right).
  • Adding a trail in Carleton Park as outlined in the Carleton Park Master Plan (see the Plan, on the right)
  • Creating new on-street parking along Union Street to serve users of Carleton Park, where there is currently not enough parking spots to meet demand.
  • Upgrading transit stops along Union Street to be fully accessible.

What are the traffic, trail and residential impacts for Union Street users?

  • Local traffic will be detoured around Union Street through Gibson Street to Barker Street and Station Road. See Detour Maps section, on the right.
  • The project will cause significant traffic delays and you should expect delays. Be sure to plan ahead by exploring flex-time at work, walking, biking, or combining your trips across the construction zone.
  • Access to local businesses will remain open and signage will be in place to direct motorists around the construction area, as well as to Carleton Park and the Picaroons Roundhouse throughout the project.
  • Access to the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge will remain open.
  • Driveways of local residents will be accessible except when the construction is directly in front of the driveway. This may last more than a day, but the contractor will make sure residents don't get blocked in and will let them know ahead of time when they will be without access.
  • The City’s Transit Route will be impacted: stops will be temporarily re-located and we will share that information as soon as we have it.

Why are we doing this now?

  • The underground water, sewer and storm pipes on this part of Union Street have been breaking down and causing service interruptions for nearby residents and businesses. The City wants to replace them before the situation worsens.
  • Raising the street in this section will mitigate local flooding.
  • Parking in Carleton Park is not meeting the resident demand.
  • Combining underground infrastructure fixes with needed road work means that the City will not need to return to perform upgrades for 20 or more years.

Do any trees need to be removed?

  • A few trees between Gibson Street and Station Road must be removed because they are dying, and one small tree will be removed to accommodate the new trail.
  • These trees will be removed by mid-April, before migratory birds are due to arrive in the area.
  • The City will plant 30 new trees within the same area in Fall 2021 and Spring 2022. The new trees will be a mixture of hardwood and disease-resistant species such as Maple and Oak.
  • Newly-planted trees will be relocated within the Carleton Park area

How is this project being funded?

  • Water and Sewer Capital Fund
  • City of Fredericton's Budget : General Fund
  • DMAF (Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund)
  • City of Fredericton Park Plan Implementation

To find out more about other construction projects at the City of Fredericton, please visit www.fredericton.ca/construction.

The City of Fredericton is undertaking a major infrastructure improvement project on Union Street beginning June 21 and ending in mid-September. Major infrastructure projects are renewal projects that impact major roadways and last for several months. With these projects, the City combines:

  • underground infrastructure fixes (water, sewer, storm pipes)
  • road work
  • active transportation updates (trails and bus stops)
  • On-street parking

Doing all this work at once means City shouldn’t need to return to perform upgrades and disrupt a major roadway like Union Street for another 20 years.

What is being accomplished with the Union Street improvement project?

  • Replacing water, sanitary, and storm sewer piping that are nearing the end of their useful life.
  • Raising the elevation of Union Street and upgrading the storm system to help guard against major flooding in the area, as per the City's Climate Change Adaptation Plan (see the Plan, on the right).
  • Adding a trail in Carleton Park as outlined in the Carleton Park Master Plan (see the Plan, on the right)
  • Creating new on-street parking along Union Street to serve users of Carleton Park, where there is currently not enough parking spots to meet demand.
  • Upgrading transit stops along Union Street to be fully accessible.

What are the traffic, trail and residential impacts for Union Street users?

  • Local traffic will be detoured around Union Street through Gibson Street to Barker Street and Station Road. See Detour Maps section, on the right.
  • The project will cause significant traffic delays and you should expect delays. Be sure to plan ahead by exploring flex-time at work, walking, biking, or combining your trips across the construction zone.
  • Access to local businesses will remain open and signage will be in place to direct motorists around the construction area, as well as to Carleton Park and the Picaroons Roundhouse throughout the project.
  • Access to the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge will remain open.
  • Driveways of local residents will be accessible except when the construction is directly in front of the driveway. This may last more than a day, but the contractor will make sure residents don't get blocked in and will let them know ahead of time when they will be without access.
  • The City’s Transit Route will be impacted: stops will be temporarily re-located and we will share that information as soon as we have it.

Why are we doing this now?

  • The underground water, sewer and storm pipes on this part of Union Street have been breaking down and causing service interruptions for nearby residents and businesses. The City wants to replace them before the situation worsens.
  • Raising the street in this section will mitigate local flooding.
  • Parking in Carleton Park is not meeting the resident demand.
  • Combining underground infrastructure fixes with needed road work means that the City will not need to return to perform upgrades for 20 or more years.

Do any trees need to be removed?

  • A few trees between Gibson Street and Station Road must be removed because they are dying, and one small tree will be removed to accommodate the new trail.
  • These trees will be removed by mid-April, before migratory birds are due to arrive in the area.
  • The City will plant 30 new trees within the same area in Fall 2021 and Spring 2022. The new trees will be a mixture of hardwood and disease-resistant species such as Maple and Oak.
  • Newly-planted trees will be relocated within the Carleton Park area

How is this project being funded?

  • Water and Sewer Capital Fund
  • City of Fredericton's Budget : General Fund
  • DMAF (Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund)
  • City of Fredericton Park Plan Implementation

To find out more about other construction projects at the City of Fredericton, please visit www.fredericton.ca/construction.

Consultation has concluded

We know it can be hard to understand all the intricacies of a major construction project. Please drop your questions below, and a project engineer will get back to you shortly! 

  • Share There is significant snow drifting across the road every winter. Can a low lying hedge be planted along the roadside to stop wind and snow? on Facebook Share There is significant snow drifting across the road every winter. Can a low lying hedge be planted along the roadside to stop wind and snow? on Twitter Share There is significant snow drifting across the road every winter. Can a low lying hedge be planted along the roadside to stop wind and snow? on Linkedin Email There is significant snow drifting across the road every winter. Can a low lying hedge be planted along the roadside to stop wind and snow? link

    There is significant snow drifting across the road every winter. Can a low lying hedge be planted along the roadside to stop wind and snow?

    Tracy asked about 3 years ago

    Thanks for this interesting suggestion! Several things would need to be taken into consideration, such as the elevation of the road (which means the hedge would need to be quite big) and maintaining access to the trail. But we agree it’s an intriguing idea and our planners and engineers will definitely explore it during the detailed design of the Carleton Park Plan.

  • Share What is the new estimated completion date for Union Street? on Facebook Share What is the new estimated completion date for Union Street? on Twitter Share What is the new estimated completion date for Union Street? on Linkedin Email What is the new estimated completion date for Union Street? link

    What is the new estimated completion date for Union Street?

    Kim Johnson asked over 3 years ago

    Hi there! We're working with an early-October end date.

  • Share If Union Street is being raised, will there also be a need to raise the walking trail overpass that crosses Union St just before the Bill Thorpe bridge (in order to accommodate trucks)? on Facebook Share If Union Street is being raised, will there also be a need to raise the walking trail overpass that crosses Union St just before the Bill Thorpe bridge (in order to accommodate trucks)? on Twitter Share If Union Street is being raised, will there also be a need to raise the walking trail overpass that crosses Union St just before the Bill Thorpe bridge (in order to accommodate trucks)? on Linkedin Email If Union Street is being raised, will there also be a need to raise the walking trail overpass that crosses Union St just before the Bill Thorpe bridge (in order to accommodate trucks)? link

    If Union Street is being raised, will there also be a need to raise the walking trail overpass that crosses Union St just before the Bill Thorpe bridge (in order to accommodate trucks)?

    Marion asked over 3 years ago

    Hi! Thanks for your question. We looked into raising the walking trail underpass, but we are not able to as it would make the trail too steep for trail users. So, we are raising the grade slightly below the underpass, and installing berms along the river side of Union Street in the areas next to the underpass where we were not able to raise the road. As well, we're installing valves on the storm water collection system to mitigate flood water backing up into the system.

     

  • Share Will there be better cycling options connecting the waterfront trail? Also is water access for small crafts (Kayaks and canoes) at the Nashwaak part of the plan? on Facebook Share Will there be better cycling options connecting the waterfront trail? Also is water access for small crafts (Kayaks and canoes) at the Nashwaak part of the plan? on Twitter Share Will there be better cycling options connecting the waterfront trail? Also is water access for small crafts (Kayaks and canoes) at the Nashwaak part of the plan? on Linkedin Email Will there be better cycling options connecting the waterfront trail? Also is water access for small crafts (Kayaks and canoes) at the Nashwaak part of the plan? link

    Will there be better cycling options connecting the waterfront trail? Also is water access for small crafts (Kayaks and canoes) at the Nashwaak part of the plan?

    Toon Pronk asked over 3 years ago

    Thanks for your question! For cycling, this project includes installing a paved trail along Union Street just inside Carleton Park. The trail will run from the main entrance to Carleton Park to the crosswalk by Picaroons.

    Another trail will be installed as part of the construction this summer next to the Carleton Park entrance from Union, connecting to the Riverfront trail trail near the current parking area.

    These can be seen in the renderings on the Engage website.

    Watercraft access will not be part of this summer's work. Please visit the Carleton Park Plan for more details on future park improvements.

  • Share I heard that they are working on the water pipes and that some residents will not have water. I live on Pine Street, can you tell me if the water will be shut off for a specific period of time? Thanks on Facebook Share I heard that they are working on the water pipes and that some residents will not have water. I live on Pine Street, can you tell me if the water will be shut off for a specific period of time? Thanks on Twitter Share I heard that they are working on the water pipes and that some residents will not have water. I live on Pine Street, can you tell me if the water will be shut off for a specific period of time? Thanks on Linkedin Email I heard that they are working on the water pipes and that some residents will not have water. I live on Pine Street, can you tell me if the water will be shut off for a specific period of time? Thanks link

    I heard that they are working on the water pipes and that some residents will not have water. I live on Pine Street, can you tell me if the water will be shut off for a specific period of time? Thanks

    Melissa McGraw asked over 3 years ago

    Hi Melissa,

    Pine Street should not be affected during the project. Sorry we’re just seeing your question now!

  • Share Several weeks ago I saw a notice in the Daily Gleaner about a Navigable Waterways permit application for the Nashwaak River Bridge #2 (Bridge St). When looking at this application, it mentions that it is a 2 year project, with Deck Rehabilitation taking place in year 1 (this year?), and pier work in year 2. I also see that one of your answers to a previous question mentions that Route 8 / Bridge St. / Gibson St. will be the truck detour during this project. My question is, will or has the Province been consulted about this potential work on the Nashwaak River Bridge #2 such that both crossings of the Nashwaak River in the City are not either detoured or under construction at the same time. (or any roads that are provincial responsibility that may be included in the detour). Thanks. on Facebook Share Several weeks ago I saw a notice in the Daily Gleaner about a Navigable Waterways permit application for the Nashwaak River Bridge #2 (Bridge St). When looking at this application, it mentions that it is a 2 year project, with Deck Rehabilitation taking place in year 1 (this year?), and pier work in year 2. I also see that one of your answers to a previous question mentions that Route 8 / Bridge St. / Gibson St. will be the truck detour during this project. My question is, will or has the Province been consulted about this potential work on the Nashwaak River Bridge #2 such that both crossings of the Nashwaak River in the City are not either detoured or under construction at the same time. (or any roads that are provincial responsibility that may be included in the detour). Thanks. on Twitter Share Several weeks ago I saw a notice in the Daily Gleaner about a Navigable Waterways permit application for the Nashwaak River Bridge #2 (Bridge St). When looking at this application, it mentions that it is a 2 year project, with Deck Rehabilitation taking place in year 1 (this year?), and pier work in year 2. I also see that one of your answers to a previous question mentions that Route 8 / Bridge St. / Gibson St. will be the truck detour during this project. My question is, will or has the Province been consulted about this potential work on the Nashwaak River Bridge #2 such that both crossings of the Nashwaak River in the City are not either detoured or under construction at the same time. (or any roads that are provincial responsibility that may be included in the detour). Thanks. on Linkedin Email Several weeks ago I saw a notice in the Daily Gleaner about a Navigable Waterways permit application for the Nashwaak River Bridge #2 (Bridge St). When looking at this application, it mentions that it is a 2 year project, with Deck Rehabilitation taking place in year 1 (this year?), and pier work in year 2. I also see that one of your answers to a previous question mentions that Route 8 / Bridge St. / Gibson St. will be the truck detour during this project. My question is, will or has the Province been consulted about this potential work on the Nashwaak River Bridge #2 such that both crossings of the Nashwaak River in the City are not either detoured or under construction at the same time. (or any roads that are provincial responsibility that may be included in the detour). Thanks. link

    Several weeks ago I saw a notice in the Daily Gleaner about a Navigable Waterways permit application for the Nashwaak River Bridge #2 (Bridge St). When looking at this application, it mentions that it is a 2 year project, with Deck Rehabilitation taking place in year 1 (this year?), and pier work in year 2. I also see that one of your answers to a previous question mentions that Route 8 / Bridge St. / Gibson St. will be the truck detour during this project. My question is, will or has the Province been consulted about this potential work on the Nashwaak River Bridge #2 such that both crossings of the Nashwaak River in the City are not either detoured or under construction at the same time. (or any roads that are provincial responsibility that may be included in the detour). Thanks.

    Gerry Mahar asked over 3 years ago

    Thanks for your question! The Province and the City of Fredericton coordinate maintenance and construction projects to minimize the impact on residents and to do work in a cost effective manner. Both bridges over the Nashwaak River belong to the provincial government and the work on Nashwaak Bridge #2 will be a provincial project. The work that is planned for Nashwaak Bridge #2 (Bridge Street) is expected to begin in 2022 and will not be impacting the Union Street truck detour this summer. For questions specific to the bridge project, please reach out to the New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.   

  • Share Re: flood mitigation How much more elevation can we expect along this part of union? What effects can neighbors expect with the displaced flood water? on Facebook Share Re: flood mitigation How much more elevation can we expect along this part of union? What effects can neighbors expect with the displaced flood water? on Twitter Share Re: flood mitigation How much more elevation can we expect along this part of union? What effects can neighbors expect with the displaced flood water? on Linkedin Email Re: flood mitigation How much more elevation can we expect along this part of union? What effects can neighbors expect with the displaced flood water? link

    Re: flood mitigation How much more elevation can we expect along this part of union? What effects can neighbors expect with the displaced flood water?

    Mr. S asked over 3 years ago

    Thanks for your question! For this project, flood mitigation efforts will be constructed to maintain access during a flood event along Union as long as possible during an elevated flood event given the current constraints. In order to achieve this, there is a combination of road raising, berm installation and an addition of a valve on the storm sewer system.  The work will be localized to areas directly adjacent to the City right-of-way in order to minimize impacts to adjacent neighbours as well as to nearby trees. If you have an adjacent property along the construction zone, the City’s consultant (EXP Services Inc.) will be in contact with you in the near future.

  • Share As per my question re access: i have a nephew who lives on Union St. kitty corner to Picaroon's for whom I do summer maintenance. Will I be able to access his driveway during the construction except for when they are directly in front of his place. on Facebook Share As per my question re access: i have a nephew who lives on Union St. kitty corner to Picaroon's for whom I do summer maintenance. Will I be able to access his driveway during the construction except for when they are directly in front of his place. on Twitter Share As per my question re access: i have a nephew who lives on Union St. kitty corner to Picaroon's for whom I do summer maintenance. Will I be able to access his driveway during the construction except for when they are directly in front of his place. on Linkedin Email As per my question re access: i have a nephew who lives on Union St. kitty corner to Picaroon's for whom I do summer maintenance. Will I be able to access his driveway during the construction except for when they are directly in front of his place. link

    As per my question re access: i have a nephew who lives on Union St. kitty corner to Picaroon's for whom I do summer maintenance. Will I be able to access his driveway during the construction except for when they are directly in front of his place.

    Jim Baird asked over 3 years ago

    Hi Jim - Yes, you will be able to access your nephew's driveway all summer, no problem. And our team will let you know ahead of time when they'll be working directly in front of his place. Hope this helps!

  • Share How will local residents access their properties during construction? on Facebook Share How will local residents access their properties during construction? on Twitter Share How will local residents access their properties during construction? on Linkedin Email How will local residents access their properties during construction? link

    How will local residents access their properties during construction?

    Jim Baird asked over 3 years ago

    Hi Jim - thanks for your question! As we explain in the project description, driveways of local residents will be always be accessible except when the construction is directly in front of the driveway. This may last more than a day, but the contractor will make sure residents don't get blocked in and will let them know ahead of time when they will be without access.

  • Share This is a really exciting project - as a resident of Union street am huge fan of any investment in this strong community asset that keeps appreciating in value. There’s something special building here with how Picaroons has created a gathering place and compliments the park’s natural beauty . My only question is if there is any consideration to burying g the power lines that border the park and investing in some better decorative lighting. The power lines bordering the park are frequently downed during storms as there is very strong wind coming across the river and the lighting is an issue in general. In either event - kudos to the city on moving forward with this initiative. on Facebook Share This is a really exciting project - as a resident of Union street am huge fan of any investment in this strong community asset that keeps appreciating in value. There’s something special building here with how Picaroons has created a gathering place and compliments the park’s natural beauty . My only question is if there is any consideration to burying g the power lines that border the park and investing in some better decorative lighting. The power lines bordering the park are frequently downed during storms as there is very strong wind coming across the river and the lighting is an issue in general. In either event - kudos to the city on moving forward with this initiative. on Twitter Share This is a really exciting project - as a resident of Union street am huge fan of any investment in this strong community asset that keeps appreciating in value. There’s something special building here with how Picaroons has created a gathering place and compliments the park’s natural beauty . My only question is if there is any consideration to burying g the power lines that border the park and investing in some better decorative lighting. The power lines bordering the park are frequently downed during storms as there is very strong wind coming across the river and the lighting is an issue in general. In either event - kudos to the city on moving forward with this initiative. on Linkedin Email This is a really exciting project - as a resident of Union street am huge fan of any investment in this strong community asset that keeps appreciating in value. There’s something special building here with how Picaroons has created a gathering place and compliments the park’s natural beauty . My only question is if there is any consideration to burying g the power lines that border the park and investing in some better decorative lighting. The power lines bordering the park are frequently downed during storms as there is very strong wind coming across the river and the lighting is an issue in general. In either event - kudos to the city on moving forward with this initiative. link

    This is a really exciting project - as a resident of Union street am huge fan of any investment in this strong community asset that keeps appreciating in value. There’s something special building here with how Picaroons has created a gathering place and compliments the park’s natural beauty . My only question is if there is any consideration to burying g the power lines that border the park and investing in some better decorative lighting. The power lines bordering the park are frequently downed during storms as there is very strong wind coming across the river and the lighting is an issue in general. In either event - kudos to the city on moving forward with this initiative.

    Adam Harris asked over 3 years ago

    Hi Adam. There are no plans to bury the power lines or add decorative lighting as part of this project. Unfortunately burying power and communications infrastructure is not a great idea in a flood-prone area such as this because of all the inherent dangers of mixing electrical wires with water. As well, burying this type of infrastructure is a very expensive endeavor and not financially feasible on most projects.