May 16, 1996
(Works, Services and Transportation)

Labrador receives $8 million for road improvement projects this year

Julie Bettney, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, is pleased to announce that $8 million has been committed for various road improvement projects in Labrador, primarily on the Trans Labrador Highway.

Four million dollars has been allocated under the Regional Trunk Road Agreement for work on the Trans Labrador Highway. This includes upgrading approximately 20 kilometres between Pope's Hill and Bob's Brook, and repairs to various sections of highway between Goose Bay and Churchill Falls where ice quarries have been a problem during winter months.

In addition, the department recently announced that $4 million in projects for Labrador, cost-shared 50/50 by the federal and provincial governments, will be spent under the Strategic Highway Improvement Program this year.

This funding will be spent on three new projects which include:

1. Replacement of existing steel bridge at Wabush Narrows with a concrete bridge, including road realignment. ($1.75 million)
2. Repairs to deck of Goose River Bridge. ($.75 million)
3. Replacement of existing wooden bridge at Bob's Brook on Trans- Labrador Highway between Goose Bay and Churchill Falls with structural pipe. ($.50 million)

It also includes the construction of a single span structural steel girder bridge and approaches at west Metchin River, Trans Labrador Highway, costing approximately $1 million. This project was tendered last fall and will be carried out this year.

Ms. Bettney said: "The Trans Labrador Highway is a high priority for the provincial government. I am actively pursuing further support from my federal colleagues to enter into an agreement which will give Labradorians the road they deserve."

Perry Canning, MHA-Labrador West, said: "This represents a real commitment to the people of Labrador in their fight for a decent trans Labrador highway system. It is a substantial effort by the provincial government to follow through on promises made to truckers and other concerned users of the road."

Ernest McLean, MHA-Lake Melville, said: "I am very satisfied with the amount of funding given to improve the Trans Labrador Highway during this time of restraint. It strongly shows the province's serious view of our region. It is encouraging to see the truckers' concerns have not gone unheard. While this money will help upgrade the worst sections now, a long-term commitment from the federal government is necessary."

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