Province announces $930,000 to rehabilitate bridges in Cartwright-L�Anse au Clair

Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced bridge improvements for the Cartwright-L�Anse au Clair region valued at $930,000 under the 2006-07 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

"Our goal is to provide the traveling public with a safe and reliable transportation system," said Minister Taylor. "A critical component of our highway network is our aging bridge infrastructure. In allocating this year�s provincial roads budget we are focusing on rehabilitation of these vital components of our transportation system."

The bridge improvements planned for this district include: rehabilitating the Trout River Bridge and Pinware River Bridge, including deck replacement; and replacing the wooden deck at Forteau Brook Bridge.

Minister Taylor said: "Government is committed to improving the transportation infrastructure throughout the province. We�re addressing the most pressing issues that currently face our provincial roads system. Those areas that have been neglected in the past are receiving particular attention."

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.

The Provincial Roads Improvement Program has doubled in value from $30 million in 2004-05 to $60 million in 2006-07.

This is the earliest the department has received budget approval in decades, which allows the tendering and construction processes to begin much sooner.

Media contact: Dave Salter, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 691-3577

2006 02 22                                         9:35 a.m.