Report Reveals Nearly Half of Road Projects Lack Data Support

A recent audit has highlighted significant shortcomings in the selection process for asphalt and chipseal road projects funded by the provincial government of New Brunswick. According to the report by Auditor General Paul Martin, nearly half of the projects were not selected using a data-driven tool designed to prioritize repairs based on objective criteria. This lack of adherence to the system raises concerns about safety and efficiency in road maintenance.

Between April 2023 and December 2024, the audit revealed that 27 percent of the asphalt and chipseal projects chosen for funding were not identified by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI) asset management system. Additionally, 22 percent of the projects were selected despite the system’s recommendations to postpone them. The report noted a “lack of documented rationale” for these decisions, implying that work might not prioritize safety effectively.

Martin emphasized the importance of the asset management system during a news conference, questioning why decisions were being overridden if the tool was accurately identifying roads in need of repair. He stated, “If they are using this tool and it’s identifying the roads that need the repair, why are people overriding the decisions?”

The audit examined funding separate from a smaller pool that allows for input from Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Green MLA Megan Mitton previously raised concerns that the allocation of funds varied based on whether ridings were represented by government or opposition members. In response, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Chuck Chiasson claimed that he eliminated these discrepancies after assuming office last year, stating that funding levels are now determined by the number of road kilometers in each riding.

Despite the audit’s focus on a larger capital budget aimed at objectively assessing road conditions, Martin’s findings cast doubt on the credibility of the asset management system. He pointed out that the department has not effectively analyzed collision data from police, with zero reports completed within a year and 80 percent taking between one to two years. This delay is particularly concerning, given that New Brunswick had the highest per capita fatality rate among provinces according to the 2023 Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics.

Martin concluded that the province is failing to adequately monitor and enforce safety standards on its highways, even as it grapples with a high rate of fatal accidents. In a written response included with the audit, DTI acknowledged the recommendations made by Martin, including the need for better documentation of changes to project priorities. However, they did not provide a specific timeline for implementing these changes.

The audit also highlighted inconsistencies in maintenance standards for highways maintained directly by DTI compared to those operated under public-private partnerships (P3). Despite the department’s oversight, it has not met requirements for regular inspections of critical infrastructure, including drainage, signage, and wildlife fencing. Alarmingly, 43 percent of government-operated highways were rated in poor or very poor condition in 2023.

Furthermore, the audit revealed that DTI had not conducted 41 percent of the required audits on P3 highways. For instance, only 45 percent of the 195-kilometre highway stretching from Fredericton to Moncton, managed by the Maritime Road Development Corporation, was in good or fair condition, falling short of the 90 percent target.

The audit indicated that the department did not receive essential performance and maintenance reports from the development corporation, completing only 38 percent of its site audits as required. While other P3 operators, such as Brun-Way and Gateway, responded to provincial notices regarding maintenance issues, the Maritime Road Development Corporation failed to address several important concerns, leaving some unresolved for over a year.

Martin criticized the department for not reporting observable deficiencies in P3 highways, stating, “By not informing P3 operators of observed deficiencies in a timely fashion, corrective action may be delayed or not taken.” The findings of this audit underscore the urgent need for improved oversight and a more data-driven approach to ensure safety and effectiveness in New Brunswick’s road maintenance efforts.