The St. John�s area is the latest benefactor of the Williams Government�s unprecedented $66.5 million Provincial Roads Improvement Program under Budget 2007.

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced an investment of $1 million for road upgrades in the capital city. "Government is committed to providing all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador with a safe, reliable transportation system," said Minister Hickey. "We have therefore made this significant investment to improve transportation infrastructure in St. John�s."

Government will further rehabilitate the CN Viaduct in St. John�s South. "I am very pleased that our government is continuing with the rehabilitation of the CN Viaduct," said the Honourable Tom Osborne, MHA for St. John�s South. "Improving this structure will no doubt help ensure safety for motorists traveling in the area."

In the district of St. John�s North, government will install a median barrier on a section of the Outer Ring Road. "This is good news for motorists traveling on this section of the Outer Ring Road," said Bob Ridgley, MHA for St. John�s North. "This median will reduce the potential for vehicles to cross into oncoming traffic, therefore increasing safety for the traveling public in this particular area."

Government estimates the Provincial Roads Improvement Program creates 1,200 person years of employment, with 94 per cent of the work being done in rural areas. 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 05 04                                                    10:40 a.m.