Investing in Infrastructure: Topsail area roads will be improved

Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced an investment of $500,000 for road and bridge improvements in the Topsail area as part of government�s ongoing commitment to modernize infrastructure and stimulate the provincial economy.

These projects are funded under the $60 million Provincial Roads Improvement Program part of the $171 million allocated for transportation infrastructure in Budget 2006.

"This government is committed to addressing the province�s infrastructure deficit and at the same time, rural economies," said Minister Taylor, "And as such, we have dramatically increased the funding for the Provincial Roads Improvement Program."

The improvements planned for the Topsail area include the rehabilitation of Manuels River Bridge on Route 60 and the continuation of upgrades to a section of Route 60 from Javelin Road to Manuels Bridge.

"I am delighted with this announcement to improve a section of road that is well traveled, not only by residents but by a host of visitors to the Topsail area," said Topsail MHA Elizabeth Marshall.

"Manuels Bridge also serves as a point of entry to Conception Bay South, and as a result, is a very important and heavily relied upon piece of infrastructure," added Ms. Marshall.

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 20                                     9:15 a.m.