NLIS 4
May 8, 2006
(Transportation and Works)

Investing in infrastructure:
Road and bridge improvements for Placentia and St. Mary�s

Furthering government�s commitment to tackle the province�s infrastructure deficit and revitalize rural economies, Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced an investment of $2 million for bridge and road improvements in the Placentia and St. Mary�s area under the Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

Government will invest $300 million in infrastructure this year, of which $171 million is earmarked for transportation infrastructure. This is the first installment of a six-year strategy for infrastructure improvements exceeding $2 billion that will generate more than 4,500 full-time equivalent jobs.

�Government is continuing to honour its blueprint commitment by investing in infrastructure, especially in rural areas of the province,� said Minister Taylor.  �We will continue to make investments in our transportation infrastructure, which will create jobs and grow the economy.�

The road and bridge improvements planned for the Placentia and St. Mary�s area are:

• Rehabilitate Angel�s Cove Bridge, Route 100;
• Rehabilitate Cuslett River Bridge, Route 100;
• Rehabilitate Peter�s River Bridge, Route 10;
• Provide bridge erosion protection, Newbridge;
• Repairs and maintenance to Sir Ambrose Shea Lift Bridge, Placentia;
• Repair rails and substructure, Argentia Dump Road Overpass;
• Resurface various areas of Route 90 from Route 94 towards St. Vincent�s;
• Resurface various sections of Route 92 from Route 91 towards Route 100; and,
• Supply and stockpile crushed road gravel for use on Route 91.

Felix Collins, MHA for Placentia and St. Mary's, said: "I am very pleased with the investment in road resurfacing and repairs to bridges, including the lift bridge in Placentia. It is badly needed, and we hope it will lead to further investment to address our road needs over the coming years."

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 05 08                                                        12:20 p.m.