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.