Investing in Infrastructure: Improvements for Kilbride and St. John�s South

As part of government�s Blueprint commitment to improve infrastructure and support the economy, Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced an investment of $500,000 for road and bridge improvements for the areas of Kilbride and St. John�s South 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 create more than 4,500 full-time equivalent jobs.

"Infrastructure investment is one of this government�s top priorities," said Minister Taylor. "The improvements planned for both these areas will impact employment and local economies."

In the Kilbride area, the South Brook Bridge on Route 2, Pitts Memorial Drive, will be rehabilitated.

"Improving infrastructure is in everyone�s interest and I am pleased to see $200,000 in work slated for the South Brook Bridge project, located on one of our province�s busiest highways, move forward this year," said Minister Ed Byrne, MHA for the District of Kilbride.

Road improvements planned for St. John�s South consist of the $300,000 rehabilitation of the CN Viaduct.

"I am extremely pleased that our government is moving forward with infrastructure repairs for St. John�s South," said Minister Tom Osborne, MHA for St. John�s South. "These repairs will enhance safety for residents traveling in the area and improve the physical structure in the region that is the cultural mecca of our city."

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 15                                9:50 a.m.