Major infrastructure funding announced for Cumberland County

For many years Cumberland County residents have complained about the condition of a major transportation link in the heart of the community.

With the assistance of the federal and provincial governments, the Municipality of Cumberland is embarking on a pair of projects totalling more than $6.4 million that will see new water and waste water infrastructure for both Junction Road and the Athol Road.

“This is big news for Springhill and Cumberland County,” Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Scott said in a news release. “We’ve had decades and decades of attempts with just patchwork on Junction Road and the Athol Road. This is a complete overhaul and what needs to be done to do it properly.”

The federal government is committing $2.5 million to the project while the province is providing $2.1 million. The Municipality of Cumberland’s share is $1.7 million.

The project will completely renew all underground infrastructure as well as roadway and sidewalk on Junction Road, where, from Lisgar Street to Main Street, a stormwater system will be installed. The existing ditches will be replaced with curbs and gutters, and a new storm water outlet will be built. As well, the project will replace the existing sanitary sewer, which will eliminate stormwater from the sanitary system. The existing water distribution infrastructure will also be replaced.

“It will be all new infrastructure underground, removing the infrastructure that has been there for nearly 100 years,” the mayor said.

Along the Athol Road from the intersection of the road and McGee Street, 800 metres of aging water distribution line will be replaced. As well, the project will replace 125 metres of water line along Beaton Lane, extending off Athol Road.

The project also includes replacement of the asphalt roadway from the intersection with McGee Street to the former town boundary.