Investing in Infrastructure: Better roads for Bonavista North

Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced a $2.77 million investment to enhance roads in the Bonavista North area as part of government�s ongoing commitment to improve infrastructure and stimulate the economy in rural Newfoundland and Labrador .  

Funding for these projects is made available under the $60 million Provincial Roads Improvement Program.  

�This government is committed to quality infrastructure investment,� said Minister Taylor. �Improving transportation infrastructure in regions such as Bonavista North will impact the local economy, part of our strategy to provide much-needed employment in rural areas.�  

The road and bridge improvements planned for the Bonavista North area include some carryover work from last season and are as follows:

• Replace expansion joints and repair rails and curbs, Anchor Brook Bridge ;
• Replace culverts Green�s Pond Road ;
• Upgrade and pave section of Route 330, Gander Bay to Gander ;
• Upgrade and resurface sections near George�s Point and Jonathon�s Pond Park ;
• Resurface section of Route 341 between Clarke�s Head and Roger�s Cove;
• Upgrade and pave North West Bottom Road in Noggan Cove;
• Resurface section of road at Main Point-Davidsville;
• Resurface section of road at Ladle Cove; and,
• Resurface section of road at Frederickton.

Bonavista North MHA, Harry Harding said: �The announcement of funds for the District of Bonavista North under the Provincial Roads Improvement Program is certainly welcomed news. This funding will allow for significant road improvements, in addition to bridge and culvert work, to be carried out throughout the area.�  

In total, government will invest $300 million for infrastructure development this year, the first of a six-year, $2 billion infrastructure modernization strategy that will generate more than 4,500 full-time equivalent jobs.

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

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

2006 04 18                                                        9:45 a.m.