Motorists in the Conception Bay South area will soon reap the benefits of the Williams Government�s $73 million Provincial Roads Improvement Program, announced earlier this year as a part of Budget 2008.

The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Transportation and Works, announced today that the region will receive $500,000 for road work.

"This government�s focus on improving the province�s transportation infrastructure is unprecedented," said Minister Whalen. "It�s refreshing to be part of a government that places such importance on the safety of the travelling public."

Planned road work for the area is as follows:

In addition to funding under the Provincial Roads Improvement Program, the province and the Federal Government will cost share $5.5 million, on a 50-50 basis, to resurface the Trans-Canada Highway from Thomas Pond to Holyrood.

"This investment in road work is excellent news for my district," said Conception Bay South MHA Terry French.  "With our growing population and increase in tourism activity, Conception Bay South has seen a significant increase in road traffic.  These improvements will address the high traffic issue and make for safer and more timely travel for everyone on our roads."

The Provincial Roads Improvement Program will create an estimated 1,400 person years of employment and is part of the Provincial Government�s infrastructure strategy, valued at more than $3 billion. A total of $375 million will be invested in provincial transportation infrastructure this year, including $91.8 million in cost-shared agreements.

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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