THE CANADIAN PRESS

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ST. STEPHEN, N.B. - The federal and New Brunswick governments are partnering to complete the twinning of Route 1 between Saint John and the United States border.

The federal minister for the area, Greg Thompson, says the project will make the highway safer and ensure efficient movement of goods along the important trade corridor that connects Atlantic Canada with the northeastern United States.

Denis Landry, New Brunswick's transportation minister, says his department estimates that twinning the route will reduce the number of fatal accidents in the area by 90 per cent.

The $275-million project includes almost 28 kilometres of new four-lane highway and upgrades to about 30 kilometres of existing four-lane.

The federal Conservative government has agreed to pay half the cost, up to a maximum of $137.5 million.

Work is scheduled to be complete by 2014 at the latest.