Road work announced for Straits and White Bay North district

Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced road and bridge projects totaling over $3.95 million for the Straits and White Bay North district. Funding for the projects is made available under the 2006-07 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

"This is another example of government's on-going commitment to strategic investment in our roads infrastructure," said Minister Taylor. "And, it also illustrates our dedication to the development of rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

"This year, the roads on the Northern Peninsula will get a much-needed investment after years of deterioration. This investment by government on the Northern Peninsula highway will go a long way towards addressing the concerns of the business community, tourism operators, truckers and the traveling public."

The work will include:

• Resurfacing Route 430 from St. Anthony to the intersection of Route 436;
• Paving sections of roads in Green Island Brook and Nameless Cove;
• Paving sections of roads in Green Island Cove, Sandy Cove and Savage Cove;
• Resurfacing the road to the wharf at Roddickton;
• Replacing the wooden bridge at Green Island Brook;
• Rehabilitating Big Brook Bridge, Route 430;
• Continuing upgrade of Conche Road.

The over $3.95 million announced today includes $1.2 million in funding announced in 2005 to resurface the section of Route 430 from St. Anthony to the intersection of Route 436, as well as paving various roads in Green Island Brook and Nameless Cove. These projects were deferred in 2005 because the tenders came in substantially over budget.

Tenders also came in over budget for work in St. Anthony, Roddickton, Englee and St. Lunaire-Griquet last year, so government has also announced it will assist those municipalities in completing this work in 2006.

The upgrading of the Conche Road began in 2004 and, with this year's funding, will be over half completed. This commitment of funds brings total spending on the Conche Road to $1.9 million.

The Provincial Roads Improvement Program provides funding for upgrades and improvements to the provincial highway network throughout the province.

As part of the Provincial Roads Improvement Program, government has pre-committed $60 million in the 2006-07 budget, which includes $48.4 million in new money and $11.6 million carried over from the previous construction season.

Media contact: David Salter, Transportation and Works, (709) 729-3015, 691-3577

2006 01 26                                               4:35 p.m.