The completion of seven highway infrastructure projects along the Newfoundland and Labrador Trans-Canada Highway was announced today by the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, together with the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs.

"Canada�s New Government is determined to deliver results in transportation for Canadians," said Minister Cannon. "These investments have permitted us to develop a surface transportation system that is more reliable, efficient, competitive, integrated and more sustainable for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador and for all Canadians. These improvements will also contribute to increased road safety for residents and travellers."

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador always welcomes this essential funding that enables the province to maintain our vital transportation networks," said Minister Hickey.

These highway projects were funded under the Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP), which has provided joint funding for highway improvement pro jects along the National Highway System in Newfoundland and Labrador. The total value of the highway construction component was $23 million, of which the federal government contributed over $11 million.

The seven roadway projects funded through the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program cover a variety of improvements to enhance safety, traffic flow and capacity to the National Highway System. These projects include: Trans-Canada Highway, Route 1: construction of the Deer Lake Overpass; Long Harbour Interchange: removal of the existing super-structure and replacement with two span super-structures; Port aux Basques Overpass: construction of an overpass structure and ramps; Penstock Bridge: construction of a concrete structure and approaches, the reconstruction of 41 kilometres of Trans-Canada Highway from Chance Cove intersection to Goobies, and the replacement of South Branch River Bridge, including the realignment of approximately 1.5 kilometres of Trans-Canada Highway;

Trans-Canada Highway near Norris Arm: replacement of Rattling Brook (Penstock) Bridge; and Trans-Canada Highway: reconstruction of 19.5 kilometres from Flat Bay to Fischell�s River Bridge.

In Budget 2006, Canada�s New Government committed an unprecedented $16.5 billion over the next four years for provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure, including $2.4 billion over the next five years from the Highways and Border Infrastructure Fund.

Discussions are ongoing between the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador to finalize details of how these investments can be directed to benefit their transportation infrastructure.

For more information on the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program, please visit www.tc.gc.ca/SHIP/menu.htm.