Trinity North area to benefit from Provincial Roads Improvement Program

Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced road improvements totaling over $2.32 million for the Trinity North area under the 2006-07 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

"Government is committed to developing rural Newfoundland and Labrador and improving the transportation infrastructure throughout the province," said Minister Taylor.

"We know our province�s roads require a lot of work, that�s why government continues to increase funding for the Provincial Roads Improvement Program."

The road and bridge improvements planned for the Trinity North area are:

Also, as part of the Canadian Strategic Infrastructure Fund, $1 million has been allotted to correct sections of the T.C.H. with rutting problems between Clarenville and Port Blandford.

Trinity North MHA Ross Wiseman said: "I'm delighted government has made such a significant investment in the roads in my district. This year's projects will improve the safety and comfort of both tourists and local travelers."

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: David Salter, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 691-3577

2006 03 10                                    10:30 a.m.