Transportation and Works
June 25, 2010
Provincial Government to Study Options to Improve
Whites Road near Stephenville
In recognition of the fact that Whites Road in the Stephenville area
is an important part of the highway system in the region, the Department
of Transportation and Works will be conducting a feasibility study to
consider options for upgrading the highway in this area. The Honourable
Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works, made the
announcement this afternoon during a luncheon address to the Bay St.
George Chamber of Commerce.
"Issues have been raised respecting flooding issues and traffic flow
on this important regional road," said Minister Hedderson. "We believe
this is an appropriate time to consider any and all options for
improving the road in this area to address the concerns of area
residents."
Preliminary work has already started on studying potential options to
improve Whites Road, particularly near a flood prone section in the
Noel's Pond area. Over the coming months, the department will continue
to advance the engineering work with the intention of starting necessary
field work associated with the study this fall.
"This is great news for the people of the region who use Whites Road
on a regular basis," said the Honourable Joan Burke, MHA for St.
George's-Stephenville East. "This study is an important step as we look
to develop options for improvements in the future."
"Any steps we can take to improve the transportation network in this
region should be given thorough consideration," said Tony Cornect, MHA
for Port Au Port. "Whites Road provides an important road connection for
the people of the region and helps to facilitate the flow of traffic
through the area. Improvements to this road would truly benefit the
entire region."
As the Department of Transportation and Works moves forward with this
study and develops options, it plans to consult with area town councils
and the public before making final decisions on potential options for
upgrading in the area.
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Media contacts:
Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 697-5267
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca
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Janine Carter
Constituency Assistant to
Hon. Joan Burke, MHA
St. George's—Stephenville East
709-643-8663
janinecarter@gov.nl.ca
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Donna Ivey
Communications Manager
Government Members Office
709-729-0898, 697-1424
donnaivey@gov.nl.ca
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2010 06 25
2:00 p.m. |