The Canadian Government has announced a $486m plan to widen the existing Quebec Route 185 into a four-lane highway between the Cabano section and the New Brunswick border.

The section forms phase 2 of the nearly $964m widening project for Route 185, which is part of the National Highway System.

The Quebec section involves rebuilding the route into a highway with two separate roadways, divided into five components over a 36km distance. The project also includes building 47km of service roads, three grade-separated interchanges, six overpasses, three major culverts and a tunnel.

Construction is expected to begin by 2010 end and finish by 2018.

Work will be funded by the Canadian Government and the Government of the Quebec Province, with a maximum federal contribution of $241.9m (50% of total costs).