The total length and condition of the road infrastructure on forested Crown land is perpetually changing as new roads may be constructed, existing roads decommissioned, and others improved for long or short-term use.
Designated Roads
Maintenance is prioritized on over 5,000 kilometres of Crown Designated Roads that are considered critical for access to natural resource development, DNRED program delivery, including fire access, and reliable access for the public and rights holders.
The Crown Designated Road Network includes some road segments on adjacent private lands and non-maintained provincial highways and is updated for land use changes and access priorities. Designated roads currently provide a level of access so that more than 75% of Crown land is within 3 kilometres of a designated road or public highway.
Using Crown Roads
Not all roads on Crown land are maintained for vehicle use. Users must use caution and be aware that travel is at their own risk.
Generally, the main access routes are passable by car or light truck and other branch roads are maintained when required by authorized users such as Crown Timber Licensees, lease holders or trail user groups.
For personal safety, and to protect property and the environment, those travelling on Crown roads are encouraged to use the following practices:
- When possible, avoid access roads used for industrial activities
- Follow all warning signs and drive defensively
- Avoid travel during seasonal times when certain roads are at risk for damage from vehicles
- Use all-terrain vehicles on managed trails (signage by Quad NB) or on roads without high vehicle usage
- Report road issues to the nearest DNRED District Office, by email at [email protected] or by calling 506-453-3826.
Authorization to upgrade or repair forest roads on Crown land (including tree cutting) may be obtained by applying to Crown Lands at 1-888-312-5600, [email protected] or Crown Lands – Licence of Occupation (gnb.ca).
Responsibility
Crown Timber Licensees are responsible to plan, construct and maintain the required road access for implementation of the Forest Management Plan. DNRED provides cost-sharing to licensees to manage portions of the Crown road infrastructure such as designated roads which benefit multiple users and support multiple land use objectives.
Other authorized users are also responsible to maintain the roads needed for their purpose such as lease access, adjacent private land access, utility infrastructure access, etc.
