Next phase of Outer Ring Road opens to traffic

As of the evening of July 27, 2001, motorists can travel east on the Trans Canada Highway as far as Torbay Road. Works, Services and Transportation Minister Percy Barrett made the announcement today.

"The Outer Ring Road is a very significant project for the province and we have received some very positive feedback from motorists using this end of the Trans Canada Highway," said Mr. Barrett. "Traffic has increased significantly in this area and opening this section of the Outer Ring Road should improve traffic flow. We�re confident traffic flow will improve even more when the final phases are completed over the next two years."

Motorists wishing to head south into St. John�s from the Outer Ring Road can exit before they reach the Torbay Road overpass. Motorists wishing to head towards Stavanger Drive and further north will travel under the Torbay Road structure and then take the exit ramp. To date, approximately $50 million has been spent on the Outer Ring Road project.

The total value of the Outer Ring Road is approximately $68.2 million. When completed, the road will stretch from the Trans Canada Highway at Donovan�s Industrial Park to the East White Hills Road. The highway is expected to be completed by the fall of 2003.

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

2001 07 27              4:05 p.m.