Letter to DTI Minister Chuck Chiasson – Request for Adjustments to Harbour Bridge Repair Schedule
July 8, 2025
The Honourable Chuck Chiasson
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Government of New Brunswick
P.O. Box 6000, Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1
RE: Request for Adjustments to Harbour Bridge Repair Schedule
Dear Minister Chiasson,
Hoping this letter finds you well and congratulations on your role. I look forward to connecting in person sometime soon on goals for our communities and province.
Today, I am writing on behalf of the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce and our diverse business community. As you may have heard, our citizens and businesses have deep concerns regarding the proposed 20-minute daytime closures of the Harbour Bridge to accommodate upcoming repair work. While we fully recognize and support the need for ongoing infrastructure maintenance, the Harbour Bridge serves as a vital transportation artery in our region connecting not just East and West Saint John, but also enabling the efficient movement of goods, services, and people throughout our city. Disruptions, even in short intervals, will pose significant challenges to our businesses, workers, and residents.
Key Concerns:
- Business Disruption
Many local businesses rely on the seamless flow of transportation for deliveries, service appointments, and customer access. Daytime interruptions could result in:
- Delays and inefficiencies for logistics and tradespeople
- Increased operational costs
- Punctuality challenges for employees who commute across the bridge, especially in sectors that run on lean staffing models
- Customer Access and Experience
Closures during business hours may deter customers from traveling across the city to shop, dine, or attend appointments. Repeated delays could foster frustration and long-term behavioural shifts that negatively impact foot traffic and commerce.
- Healthcare Access
Daytime closures risk delaying patients traveling to hospitals or clinics for time-sensitive appointments. Healthcare providers and support staff commuting across the bridge could also face additional stress and unpredictability in reaching their workplace.
- Transit Reliability and Equity
Public transit users — often those with fewer transportation alternatives — will be disproportionately affected by route and timing disruptions. This raises concerns of equitable access and community mobility.
- Tourism and Visitor Experience
Visitors unfamiliar with Saint John’s infrastructure may experience confusion and delays, leaving a negative impression that affects the city’s reputation and economic development efforts.
Our Request
We respectfully urge the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure to reconsider the scheduling of this critical work. Conducting 7the repairs during off-peak hours — ideally overnight, between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM would significantly reduce the economic and social impacts outlined above. Additionally, we request clear, proactive, and ongoing communication regarding the project’s schedule and any anticipated traffic changes. Public-facing updates will allow our members and the public to better plan around disruptions and foster greater understanding of the value of this work to our community’s long-term growth.
We are committed to supporting infrastructure improvements that ensure the safety and longevity of our transportation network. At the same time, we believe with thoughtful planning and collaboration, these goals can be achieved without unduly burdening the businesses and residents who depend on this vital link.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we welcome the opportunity to further discuss potential solutions at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Shannon Merrifield
Chief Executive Officer
Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce