Over half a million dollars for road upgrades in Burgeo-La Poile

Percy Barrett, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, and Kelvin Parsons, MHA - Burgeo-LaPoile announced today $522,000 for road improvements in the district.

"This funding, which comes from the department�s provincial roads budget, will be dedicated to upgrading various areas of the district," said Parsons. "As a government, we are committed to improving transportation infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador and these projects are part of our plan to upgrade the province�s highways and roads."

Projects planned for the area include:

• resurfacing a section of Route 470, Isle aux Morts to Burnt Islands;
  
  
• replacing guide rail on Route 470;
  
  
• repairing CNR Overpass, Port aux Basques (carry-over from 2000/01)
  
  
• replacing a culvert located at km 5.8 on Route 470 to Rose Blanche.

"It is important to maintain and enhance these existing services for the benefit of our motoring public," said Parsons. "In addition to providing a safer route, this upgrading will encourage more tourists to visit our communities and contribute to the local economy."

The department expects to call tenders for the projects over the next several months.

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-3015, Edwina Bateman, Communications, (709) 729-6985.

2001 07 09                    4:20 p.m.