Minister announces awarding of contract for road work in Bonavista North

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, and Harry Harding, MHA for Bonavista North, today announced that B & M Paving (1983) Limited has been awarded a contract to complete road improvements throughout the district. Funding for these projects is made available under the 2005-06 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

This is part of a $2,789,463 contract awarded to B & M Paving (1983) Limited, Gander, to complete projects throughout areas in the central region.

Under this part of the contract, valued at $2,155,199, the following projects will be completed in Bonavista North District:

• Pulverizing and paving of sections along Route 321 and Route 330 between Centerville and Lumsden, totaling approximately 2.5 km;
• Pulverizing and paving sections along Route 331 between Clarkes Head and Victoria Cove, totaling approximately 1.7 km;
• Pulverizing and paving sections along Route 332-28 near Main Point, totaling approximately 0.9 km;
• Pulverizing and paving sections along Route 332, totaling approximately 1.4 km;
• Pulverizing and paving sections along Route 330-14, totaling approximately 0.5 km;
• Pulverizing and paving sections along Route 330 near Georges Point, totaling approximately 1.5 km.

�The Provincial Roads Improvement Program provides funding for a number of projects, including improvements to major trunk roads and local roads,� said Minister Rideout. �Budget 2005 allocated $33.7 million, which has since been increased to $48.7 million, including $3.7 million carried over from last year. This demonstrates government�s ongoing commitment to provide a safe and reliable provincial roads infrastructure.

�Nearly 50 tenders for road work have been called thus far this construction season. Many projects have been completed, and a number are currently ongoing. All areas of the province will benefit from this year�s program. To that end, I am pleased to announce the awarding of this contract for road work in Bonavista North.�

Mr. Harding said, �The awarding of the contract for roadwork in Bonavista North is great news. Work is now underway and I am hopeful that it can be completed before the end of this construction season. This contract is worth nearly $2.2 million and will allow for significant improvements to road infrastructure in my district.�

Minister Rideout said, �I am very pleased that work has commenced in Bonavista North District. These improvements will go a long way toward addressing the most pressing infrastructure needs in this area. Our government will continue to invest strategically into initiatives such as the provincial roads program as they provide tangible benefits for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.�

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

2005 09 28                               10:20 a.m.