$30 million in contracts awarded for Trans Labrador Highway

Percy Barrett, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, Ernest McLean, Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, and Yvonne Jones, MHA - Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair, today announced government has awarded $30 million in contracts for the construction of approximately 123 kilometres of the Trans Labrador Highway.

"These projects represent a significant amount of the work to be done on the highway over the next two years," said Mr. Barrett. "We're pleased we were able to call early tenders so contractors can begin work as soon as weather permits."

A contract valued at $6,136,940.50 was awarded to RDN Construction Ltd of St. John's. Work will include construction of approximately 17.7 kilometres of Route 510 from Port Hope Simpson towards Paradise River (kilometre 220.3 to kilometre 238.0). 

A $3,914,025 contract was awarded to Bonne Bay Contractors Ltd. of Norris Point for the construction of approximately 15 kilometres of Route 513, the St. Lewis Access Road, from the intersection of Route 510 towards St. Lewis. When these final 15 kilometres are constructed, this road will be completed. 

Work for both projects will begin in the spring and be completed by November 30, 2001. 

Government awarded two contracts to Johnson's Construction Ltd. of Pasadena. The first is valued at $9,839,679.45 and includes the construction of approximately 47 kilometres of Route 510 from Cartwright towards Port Hope Simpson (kilometre 297 to kilometre 344). The second contract includes construction of approximately 44 kilometres of Route 510 (kilometre 253 to kilometre 297) between Port Hope Simpson and Paradise River and is valued at $10,248,350.35. Work for these projects will commence in the spring and be completed by November 30, 2002.

"Upon completion of these contracts, three more communities will be connected to the Labrador Straits Highway. The benefits of the highway are already being realized," Mr. McLean said.

Ms. Jones says she is excited about the continuation of the contracts on the Red Bay to Cartwright road. She said: "The economic activity generated by this project has and will deliver tremendous benefits to the region."

The first section of the 380 kilometre Red Bay to Cartwright highway, 78 kilometres linking Red Bay and Lodge Bay, opened to traffic in December 2000.

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-3015 

2001 03 05                              2:00 p.m.