Minister announces awarding of contract for Bifurcation Interchange in St. John�s North district

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced the awarding of a contract for the Bifurcation Road in the St. John�s North District under the 2004-05 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

Minister Rideout said: "When we announced the provincial roads program in June, one of the highlights was a $1.5 million commitment by our government to complete the Bifurcation Road, linking Kenmount Road to the Outer Ring Road in the City of St. John�s, by 2005.

"We�ve been actively working in dealing with the various utilities in the province regarding massive amounts of cable and lines in the area. These had to be rerouted to avoid interference with the new road. This had to be completed before the project could proceed any further. I am pleased to announce today that government has awarded a contract toward this commitment."

Municipal Construction Limited of Paradise has been awarded a contract valued at over $488,300 for the grading of the Bifurcation Interchange with Kenmount Road.

St. John�s Mayor Andy Wells said: "The City of St John's is very pleased to see that the province is now moving forward with this transportation link which is an integral part of the overall transportation network for the City of St. John's and commuters from outlying areas. While this section of the Bifurcation Road to be completed is only from the Outer Ring Road to Kenmount Road, it is very crucial to the anticipated residential and commercial growth that the city expects to happen over the next several years in the Kenmount Road area. The construction of this section of the Bifurcation Road is a positive step to encouraging growth in this area."

MHA for St. John�s North District Bob Ridgely said: "I am delighted that our government is working in cooperation with the City of St. John�s to complete this interchange. I am pleased to see work begin on the completion of this section of road and that our government is moving forward with the commitment made in the provincial roads program."

Minister Rideout said: "We have also issued a tender call for the construction of the overpass on Kenmount Road which closes on Friday, November 12. Our government remains committed to getting our economy growing in a way that generates more jobs, investment and revenue and brings real benefits to the people, economy and treasury of Newfoundland and Labrador."

Statistics Canada estimates that for every million dollars spent on road work, 12 direct and eight indirect jobs are created.

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, Communications, (709) 729-3015 or (709) 690-8403

2004 11 02                            12:10 p.m.