CBN bypass details released

Works, Services and Transportation Minister Percy Barrett and departmental officials met with Carbonear-Harbour Grace MHA George Sweeney on April 12 to discuss the Conception Bay North Bypass.

During the meeting, the department agreed to maintain the 100 km/hr speed limit and the same cross section as used on previous sections of the bypass. The speed limit and cross section will be reduced to an 80 km/hr zone at the Incinerator Road intersection at the north end of Harbour Grace, instead of at the Riverhead Intersection as originally planned.

"The change will allow the residents of Carbonear, Harbour Grace and surrounding areas to access the Trans Canada Highway using the same speed limit as towns such as Bay Roberts and Spaniard�s Bay," said Sweeney.

Access points to the highway at Riverhead and Incinerator Road will be controlled by stop signs and regular, at-grade intersections as projected traffic volumes do not warrant ramps and overpasses at this point in time. The option to construct ramps and overpasses at both intersection locations will remain feasible alternatives if traffic volumes dictate.

Access to the Carbonear Hospital will be via a new intersection constructed near the Incinerator Road. The existing intersection to CHVO Drive will be eliminated. "This represents a substantial improvement from what presently exists as it will provide safer access to the hospital as well as serve as a second access to the Town of Harbour Grace," said Sweeney. This concept was endorsed by the Carbonear town council when they met with departmental officials in November.

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

2001 04 19                              2:30 p.m.