July 31, 1998
(Works, Services and Transportation)

$2 million in road construction to be tendered on west coast

Premier Brian Tobin and Works Services and Transportation Minister Lloyd Matthews, together with MHA's Bob Mercer and Kevin Aylward, today announced more than $2 million in road construction projects for Corner Brook and St. George's, which will be tendered in the next two weeks.

The projects include $1.9 million to continue with construction of the Corner Brook Waterfront Access Road from Humber Road to the Trans Canada Highway. In St. George's, a section of the Main Road will be upgraded and paved at a cost of $200,000.

Premier Brian Tobin says investment in transportation infrastructure is an important part of economic development throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. "Upgrading and maintaining our network of roads is good for trade and commerce, for importing and exporting goods and services, for tourism and especially for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who use our highways and local roads year round."

Humber East MHA Bob Mercer said he was anxious to see the project completed. "Construction of the Corner Brook Waterfront Access Road is a much needed thoroughfare in the community. The new access road will help alleviate traffic along Humber Road and will also provide easier access to the mill for wood trucks."

St. George's and Stephenville East MHA Kevin Aylward said he was pleased to see road work in the area this summer. "The upgrading and paving of Main Street in St. George's is welcome news for the town. We have received representations from both residents and the town to have the road done and I am pleased to see government responding to our efforts."

Works Services and Transportation Minister Lloyd Matthews said the volume of road work this construction season is indicative of government's commitment to reinvest in transportation infrastructure throughout the province. "This year is the largest and most ambitious construction year ever undertaken in the history of the province."

Contact: Jill Sooley, (709) 729-3015.

1998 07 31 3:10 p.m.