January 7, 1998
(Works, Services and Transportation)

Federal and provincial governments announce highway initiatives for 1998/99

Fred J. Mifflin, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, together with Lloyd Matthews, provincial Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, today announced that 17 highway improvement projects will be carried out in fiscal year 1998/99 under existing Canada-Newfoundland highway initiatives. This year's initiative will create over 900 direct and indirect jobs.

"These projects are another step to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador continues to have an efficient transportation system," said Mr. Mifflin. "They will also generate significant benefits for the local construction industry."

The federal government will provide approximately $34 million under the Trans-Canada Highway Agreement, and $20 million under the Regional Trunk Roads Agreement for these projects. The funds will be used to begin new projects or complete existing ones.

"This ongoing cooperation between the federal and provincial governments will go a long way in improving the province's transportation network," said Mr. Matthews.

"The total cost of these projects is being covered by the federal government as part of the 15 year, $640 million highway component of the Newfoundland Transportation Initiative," said Mr. Collenette. This agreement was signed in 1988 upon termination of railway service in the province, and expires in 2003.

Federal funding for these projects was provided for in the federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. This initiative is an example of how the federal government is prioritizing its spending so that is can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars.

Tendering for these projects will begin immediately.

Contacts:

Kevin Dormody, Communications, Transport Canada, (709) 772-6197

Jill Sooley, Communications, Newfoundland & Labrador, Works, Services and Transportation, (709) 729-4062

Transport Canada is online at //www.tc.gc.ca/

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador releases are online at /

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities - call (613) 990-2366.

BACKGROUNDER

Projects for fiscal year 1998/1999

TRANS-CANADA HIGHWAY AGREEMENT

1. Placing of surface course asphalt and hydoseed slopes from Gould's Brook to end of four lanes at Triangle Pond (nine km).

2. Upgrading and paving of Trans-Canada Highway from Clarenville Irving to Manitoba Drive.

3. Completion of construction of four lanes from Scott Avenue towards Cromer Avenue, Grand Falls-Windsor; upgrading and resurfacing of Jumpers Brook to Bond Bridge.

4. Grading of Trans-Canada Highway from Springdale towards South Brook, including widening of structures at Burnt Berry Brook and South Brook and rehabilitation of West Bottom Bridge.

5. Construction of three overpasses and two bridges on divided highway through Pasadena.

6. Grading of Trans-Canada Highway from Cape Ray intersection towards South Branch.

7. Repair of bridge on Trans-Canada Highway.

8. Paving of Outer Ring Road from Trans-Canada Highway towards Portugal Cove Road, including structures at Thorburn Road, Bifurcation Road and Groves Road.

9. Replacement of the CNR overpass at Gambo with multi-plate pipe.

10. Clearing of brush from Birchy Narrows to seven km east of Howley.

 

REGIONAL TRUNK ROADS

1. Continuing of grading work on Conception Bay North Bypass, Bay Roberts to Tilton.

2. Continuing of grading work on Conception Bay South Bypass, Foxtrap Access Road to Legion Road.

3. Upgrading and resurfacing of Route 80, Green's Harbour towards Dildo (approximately 14 km, including bridge replacement at Green's Harbour.

4. Upgrading of Long Brook towards Piper's Hole, Route 210, including rehabilitation of two bridges (approximately 17 km).

5. Upgrading and paving of Bay d'Espoir Highway, Route 360 (approximately) 18 km).

6. Reconstructing and paving of Bonavista Highway, Route 230, Lethbridge towards Southern Bay (approximately 20 km).

7. Continuing of grading on Corner Brook Waterfront Access Road from Humber Road towards Trans-Canada Highway.

 

CARRY-OVER PROJECTS

a) Paving of Conception Bay North Bypass, TCH to Bay Roberts.

b) Paving of Conception Bay South Bypass, Fowler's Road to Foxtrap.

c) Resurfacing of Route 80, Heart's Delight towards Green's Harbour.

d) Upgrading and paving of Route 320 Traverse Brook towards Trinity (approximately 20 km).

e) Paving of Main Brook to St. Anthony Airstrip.

f) Grading of Corner Brook Waterfront Access Road.