May 9, 1996
(Works, Services and Transportation)

Minister announces $22 million in Trans Canada Highway projects

Julie Bettney, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, is pleased to announce the awarding of five contracts, totalling approximately $22 million, under the Trans Canada Highway Agreement.

Ms. Bettney said: "These capital road projects will improve the Trans Canada Highway and will provide a better transportation link for the shipment of goods and people. The benefits of these projects to the construction industry and the provincial economy are obvious. It is projected that this road work will create 1,000 person years of employment."

Since 1990, $170 million has been spent under the $405 million Trans Canada Highway Agreement. This agreement is scheduled to conclude in 2003.

The list of projects is as follows:

1. Project: Paving approximately 9.5 kilometres of the Trans Canada Highway from Goulds Brook to Triangular Pond, including the construction of a concrete arch structure at Ocean Pond interchange and application of four kilometres of surface asphalt from Roaches Line to Hodgewater Line.

   Contractor: Pennecon Limited of St. John's was the lowest of three bidders.

   Contract value and completion date: $6,047,900 and is to be completed by October 15, 1996.

2. Project: Grading Outer Ring Road between Topsail Road and Thorburn Road and grading of interchange ramps at Topsail Road and Thorburn Road.

   Contractor: Modern Paving Ltd. of Goulds was the lowest of six bidders.

   Contract value and completion date: $2,880,255 and is to be completed by November 30, 1996.

3. Project: Upgrading the Trans Canada Highway from Norris Arm to Notre Dame Junction, approximately 10.4 kilometres.

   Contractor: Marine Contractors Inc. of Pasadena was the lowest of nine bidders.

   Contract value and completion date: $1,292,465 and is to be completed by September 30, 1996.

4. Project: Paving the Trans Canada Highway from Little Rapids to Steady Brook, approximately 10.9 kilometres, and associated work.

   Contractor: S.M. Construction Limited of Stephenville Crossing was the lowest of three bidders.

   Contract value and completion date: $10,274,560 and is to be completed by September 30, 1997.

5. Project: Removal of an overpass structure and installation of a three metre diameter corrigated steel pipe at Red Cliff on the Trans Canada Highway, including ancillary work; and repairs to undermining at South East Brook Bridge on Route 340, Loon Bay.

   Contractor: Barker's Construction Ltd. of Baie Verte was the lowest of nine bidders.

   Contract value and completion date: $223,355 and is to be completed by July 31, 1996.

The Trans Canada Highway Agreement is cost-shared between Transport Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is part of the Canada-Newfoundland Transportation Initiative, commonly referred to as the Roads for Rails Agreement.

Contact: Ian Chaytor, Director of Public Relations, (709) 729-1968.