Over $1 million in roads contracts awarded for Cartwright L�Anse Au Clair

Works, Services and Transportation Minister Percy Barrett announced today that two contracts, totaling over $1.3 million, have been awarded for roads projects in southern Labrador. The announcement was made in conjunction with Yvonne Jones, MHA - Cartwright L�Anse Au Clair and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Works, Services and Transportation for Labrador Transportation Initiatives.

The first contract is valued at $909,375.15 and was awarded to Johnson�s Construction Limited of Pasadena. The project includes the construction of a 20 metre, two lane steel bridge with a concrete deck at Beaver Brook on Route 510. The second contract, valued at $423,224.15, was also awarded to Johnson�s Construction and includes upgrading 6.8 kilometres of roads in Port Hope Simpson.

"This department is committed to improving transportation in Labrador and we are pleased to get these projects underway," said Minister Barrett. "Work on both contracts will start immediately, with the construction at Beaver Brook to be completed by October 31 and upgrades in Port Hope Simpson to wrap up by September 30."

Ms. Jones said: "I am pleased to see the continuation of the highway network and the necessary infrastructure being put in place for existing and developing businesses to have proper access to the highway. The new sections of the Trans Labrador Highway have improved many aspects of life for these once isolated communities and I look forward to the completion of the road into Cartwright and eventually to Happy Valley - Goose Bay."

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

2002 07 11                            11:25 a.m.