Repairs to flooded and washed-out highways continue

New Brunswick's Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Roger Melanson toured many of the hardest hit areas on Friday and is promising that repairs will be made to washed out roads and bridges as quickly as possible.

Stretches of many rural roads washed out after some parts of southern and central New Brunswick were pummeled with as much as 160 mm of rain Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

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Melanson says repairs to the most dangerous areas continue, with municipalities and private contractors being brought in to help.

"We as a government are doing everything thing we can to make sure the appropriate help is brought to these communities," he said.

"We do need equipment from the private sector to go out and make the situation as safe as possible in the earliest stages."

People who have experienced flood damage are being asked to call a disaster recovery line that has been set up byService New Brunswick.

The toll free number,1-888-298-8555, has been activated for residents to register any damage related to the storm.

Melansonsays that information will help the provincial government determine if a financial assistance program will be offered.

He adds it is alsoimportant for homeowners who have experiencedfloodingto contact their insurance company and to document any repairs they make for future reference.

• New Brunswick Flood Recovery For Your Home Or Business

New Brunswick has endured three major storms that caused significant damage to infrastructure in the past 18 months, and Melanson says the costs continue to addup.

"The fact of the matter is that Mother Nature doesn't give us a heads up...but we still have a responsibility to react and to fix the damage that's been done because it's essential infrastructure for everybody to use every day."

He says the last two storms cost taxpayers $20 million in unforeseen expenses. The cost of the latest storm remains to be seen.