The Conception Bay East and Bell Island area is the latest beneficiary of government�s Provincials Roads Improvement Program.

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works, announced today that government will invest $1 million to improve roads in the district. The funding is part of the $60 million government will invest in provincial roads for the second year in a row.

"We have a winning combination of significant funding and early budget approval which allows work like this to begin earlier than it did in the past," said Minister Hickey.

The Provincial Roads Improvement Program will generate 1,200 person years of employment.

Road improvements in Conception Bay East and Bell Island are:

• Replace Broad Cove Bridge No. 2, Healey�s Pond;
• Upgrade and pave Airport Road from West Mines Road to the Wabana Complex and apply leveling patches on Bennett�s St., Bell Island;
• Asphalt leveling, #2 Road from Home Hardware to 10 Commandment�s Range, Bell Island;
• Modifications and improvements to the ferry line up at Portugal Cove.

The Honourable Dianne Whalen, MHA for Conception Bay East and Bell Island, said, "This funding will go a long way in addressing the transportation infrastructure in my district and is welcome news."

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2007 03 14                                                   12:10 p.m.