The governments of Canada and Quebec have announced that construction has started on Project C of the Highway 389 improvement Program between Baie‑Comeau and Fermont.
“I am happy to announce the start of this major work on Route 389, which will significantly improve driver safety and help get people where they need to go more efficiently. By providing better access to remote North Shore municipalities, the project will support the growth of the tourism industry and benefit the local economy,” said François Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
Project C is taking place between kilometre markers 240 and 254 about 28 kilometres north of the Daniel-Johnson Dam (Manic-5). Nearly $27 million will be invested in this project and it is expected to take two years to complete.
The work involves building a new, straighter road over approximately 14 kilometres to reduce travel times and improve driver safety.
“This work represents a major step in the Route 389 Improvement Program that will benefit the entire community,” said François Bonnardel, Quebec’s Minister of Transport. “I am delighted that this work will soon provide North Shore residents with nearly 14 kilometres of safer road. The Program as a whole is progressing well, and people will soon be able to see other significant improvements.”
Route 389 is a strategic axis point for economic development and accessing resources in northern Quebec.
The Route 389 Improvement Program is divided into five separate projects aimed at carrying out essential corrections to improve driver safety and convenience.
$468 million is being invested in the Program, as previously announced, broken down as follows:
- Government of Canada: $183 million
- Société du Plan Nord: $190 million
- Quebec Department of Transport: $95 million
The $21.7-million contract for the construction work between kilometres 240 and 254 was awarded to Dexter Québec.
