Transportation Minister Claude Williams and Madawaska-les-Lacs MLA Yvon Bonenfant at the existing Clair-Fort Kent bridge in 2011. (GNB)

A Fredericton company has been awarded a $13.9-million contract to build a replacement bridge linking New Brunswick and Maine.

Caldwell and Ross will build a new bridge across the St. John River between Clair, N.B. and Fort Kent, Maine, the New Brunswick Department of Transportation announced Thursday.

The project is expected to begin April 30 and be completed in 2014, said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams.

The provincial government committed last year to replace the existing bridge, which is about 80 years old.

"This bridge is a vital link for local residents, and for industrial users in New Brunswick who rely on it to transport goods into the U.S.," Williams said in January 2011. "Its replacement is a priority for our government, and we plan to start construction this year."

Environmental and regulatory approvals had to be obtained by both governments before the project could proceed.

The new bridge will be a steel, four-span structure with three in-river piers and two abutments.

The project cost, which includes removal of the existing structure, will be shared between New Brunswick and Maine.

The project was open to all Canadian and American contractors that could meet several complex border-related issues, including customs and immigration requirements, duties, and labour requirements.