Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination
Replacement of Concrete Crossing Structure N845 on the Otnabog River – 5th Canadian Division Support Base, Gagetown

May 19, 2023 — The Department of National Defence must decide whether the proposed project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this decision, the Department of National Defence is inviting comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment. All comments received will be considered public. For more information, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website.

Written comments must be submitted by June 7, 2023 to:
Victor Turner, Range Training Area Engineer
Mailing Address:  PO Box 17000 Stn Forces
Oromocto, NB, Canada, E2V 4J5
E-mail:  Victor.Turner@forces.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

The Department of National Defence (DND) has proposed a project. New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure's (NBDTI) Crossing Structure N845 located over the Otnabog River, on Route 102, 8 kilometers south of the Village of Gagetown, is approximately 100 years old and is no longer structurally sound. The twin concrete arches were cast in place without reinforcing steel. This has resulted in significant cracking, spalling and leaching. NBDTI is planning to replace the structure with a new double box culvert. This was deemed to be the best design option at this location, since it has the least environmental and property footprint, and allows for reinstatement of the existing road alignment. A temporary detour will be installed using a modular bridge placed downstream (to the east) of the existing structure to allow traffic passage through the project area during construction to avoid a lengthy detour for local residents (approximately 200 kilometers). The design life of the new crossing structure is 75 years. NBDTI has no intention to remove this structure in the future, as there are no other alternatives for traffic to drive across the river in this area.