Transportation and Works
April 9, 2007

Driving Conditions Not Affected by Annual Spring Layoff

The annual seasonal layoff of snow-clearing crews will not impact the safety of motorists on provincial roads, says the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works.

Minister Hickey was responding to comments today by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE).

"As every winter season winds down, we begin reducing the size of our snow-clearing crews but we always retain sufficient staff to respond effectively to late winter weather," said Minister Hickey.

"We are simply gearing down this year the same way we do every year."

By early May, due to improved weather conditions, the number of heavy equipment operators is reduced from winter levels, to approximately 150. That number is maintained throughout the summer. In addition to its complement of heavy equipment operators, the department employs labourers who can be called upon to operate heavy equipment should the need arise.

"The department always has the capacity to address inclement weather and maintain safe driving conditions on our roads," said Minister Hickey. "We are also being fiscally responsible in adjusting our resource levels as conditions change."

The department is in the process of planning its $7million, summer maintenance supplies program, which has been enhanced with an additional $2.5 million for supplies to fill potholes, fix guardrails and associated repairs.

"The increased supply budget, in combination with the $66.5 million Provincial Roads Improvement Program, will see an unprecedented level of investment in road infrastructure this year," said Minister Hickey.

This is the second year of government�s six-year strategy for infrastructure improvements exceeding $2 billion.

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Media contact:
David Salter
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 691-3577
davidsalter@gov.nl.ca 

2007 04 09                                               4:10 p.m.

 


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