NLIS 7
April 13, 2005
(Transportation and Works)
Efforts to re-open road between
Red Bay and Lodge Bay have begun
Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and
Works, today announced efforts are being made to re-open the road between Red
Bay and Lodge Bay in Labrador. Government closed the road on March 2 due to the
high volume of snow in the area.
Crews, including a private contractor, along with departmental equipment, are
currently working to clear this road. They began work on Monday, April 11.
Minister Rideout said, "It is anticipated that it will take about a week to 10
days to clear the road. Until such time, the road remains closed to the public.
"Government has been closely monitoring the situation with this road and is
aware of the concerns expressed by local stakeholders that the road be opened as
soon as possible. Our staff have been constantly in the area assessing this road
and surrounding conditions."
There is currently four to six metres of snow in certain areas along this
stretch of highway. This area typically receives more snow than any other area
of the province. It will require multiple snow blowers, loaders and other snow
clearing equipment working for several days to complete the task of opening the
road.
Minister Rideout said, "It was at the request of residents in the area that we
agreed to keep the road open until the first major blizzard. As a result, we
kept the road opened until March 2 when the volume of snow and associated safety
concerns for crews and the traveling public resulted in government closing this
road."
"Our government is committed to having the road opened in time for the beginning
of the ferry season for the MV Apollo. Our present efforts allow for ample time
for this to be accomplished, providing there is no further major snow fall," said the
minister.
"Government is very aware of the problems associated with maintaining this
section of road. This is why, as part of a recent $56 million investment into
Labrador, government announced plans to construct a $750,000 depot on this
section of road between Red Bay and Lodge Bay. This is in conjunction with
government�s efforts to find solutions to assist with keeping this road opened
year-round. Other options we are examining include widening rock cuts and
raising road grades."
"Government continues to focus on long-term solutions for this road and
long-term solutions for our fiscal situation," said Minister Rideout. "Our
government has listened to and acted on the input from residents and business
people on the south coast of Labrador. We will continue to do so within our
fiscal capacity."
Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 690-8403
2005 04 13
4:30 p.m. |