As part of ongoing highway improvements throughout the province, a tender is being called for bridge work in St. George's-Stephenville East through this year's Provincial Roads Improvement Program. The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced that a tender is being called for rehabilitation projects on Little Barachois Brook Bridge and Dribble River Bridge.

"Over the past number of years the Williams Government has set out to upgrade, repair and replace key transportation infrastructure throughout the province," said Minister Hedderson. "I am pleased to announce this tender today which further signals our commitment to highway improvements through our Provincial Roads Improvement Program."

The work for the Little Barachois Brook Bridge will include the installation of new bridge rails, expansion joints, concrete repairs and the re-paving of the structure. Work on the Dribble Brook Bridge will include repairs to the concrete deck and curb as required. Both bridges will be reduced to one lane while the upgrades are carried out.

"This tender call demonstrates the continued progress of the Provincial Government's infrastructure strategy that has led to improvements in many areas of public infrastructure, particularly in highway infrastructure," said the Honourable Joan Burke, MHA for St. George's-Stephenville East. "These bridge upgrades will help create a smoother and safer driving experience for all residents and visitors travelling in these areas."

Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future provides $177.7 million in Provincial Government funding for road and bridge expenditures throughout the province. This funding will be supplemented by an additional $57.9 million in Federal Government funding for a total road and bridge investment of $235.6 million in 2010-11. The Provincial Roads Improvement Program forms part of this overall investment.

Improvements to bridge and highway infrastructure throughout the province are just some of the overall enhancements being carried out through the Provincial Government's unprecedented infrastructure strategy which is now valued at more than $5 billion over the next several years. The strategy also includes investments in municipalities, healthcare, education, justice, social housing, transportation, and environment and conservation.

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