Evandale/Kars Ferry Replacement, Rte. 124

pre-construction

The project involves the planning, design and construction work to replace an ageing ferry with a new 24-car ferry at Evandale in Valley Waters, New Brunswick. This ferry crossing is a critical connection between two rural communities of Evandale on route 102 and Kars on route 124, that are divided by the Saint John River. The crossing is currently served by the Robert Irwin, an 18-car ferry that operates year-round, 24 hours a day. This ferry was constructed in 1959 but is now beyond its service life and needs to be replaced. The new 24-car ferry will be built offsite in a shipyard that will be selected through a competitive tender process. It will then be towed to the Evandale location upon completion and installed on the existing cable, using existing ramps and landings for operation. The project will result in improved food security, and more reliable marine infrastructure. The ferry service provides many benefits to both passengers and to the environment by addressing the daily and emergency transportation needs of rural communities; eliminating the need to employ lengthy alternative routes, and supporting local delivery and commercial operations.