Investing in Infrastructure: Bridge improvements in Bonavista South

As part of government's Blueprint pledge to address the provincial infrastructure deficit and invigorate rural economies, John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced an investment of $400,000 for bridge improvements in the Bonavista South area under the Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

Work on the Southwest Brook Bridge, located on Route 223 near Bloomfield, will consist of the removal of the old concrete structure which will be replaced with two large aluminum arch culverts. There will also be associated road work.

Government will invest $300 million in infrastructure this year, of which $171 million is earmarked for transportation infrastructure. Approximately 97 per cent of this investment in transportation infrastructure is being spent outside the Northeast Avalon region. 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.

�This government has clearly illustrated its commitment to infrastructure improvement and rural economic development,� said Minister Hickey. �This is just the latest example of the work we continue to address.�

Roger Fitzgerald, MHA for Bonavista South, pointed out the bridge is a very busy thoroughfare and the residents of both Bonavista South and Terra Nova will welcome this announcement. �This bridge repair is very important to the people in the Bonavista South region and I�m pleased to have been able to work with Minister Hickey to secure the necessary funding,� said Mr. Fitzgerald.

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 09 11                                  2:45 p.m.