Motorists on the Northeast Avalon will see improvements to important roadways thanks to the latest tender call for provincial roadwork. The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced that a tender has been called for rut repairs on the CBS Bypass, the Outer Ring Road and Torbay Road.

"We have been making investments throughout the province as we continue to roll out our provincial infrastructure strategy," said Minister Hedderson. "We will continue strategic spending to ensure we are maintaining our vitally important highway network. The projects included in this latest tender will lead to improvements on some of our province's busiest roadways."

As part of this tender, ruts will be repaired on various sections of the CBS Bypass, between the Trans-Canada Highway and Legion Road, totaling approximately 7.1 lane kilometres.

"The CBS Bypass moves many people and goods to and from the CBS area on a daily basis," said the Honourable Terry French, MHA for Conception Bay South. "Rut repairs on this highway will be of great benefit to the thousands of motorists who travel over it each and every day."

Also included in the tender are rut repairs on various sections of the Outer Ring Road, totaling approximately 4.3 lane kilometres.

"The Outer Ring Road and the CBS Bypass are important transportation links for the entire Northeast Avalon region," said Paul Davis, MHA for Topsail. "It is great to see that the necessary funds are being made available to ensure that these routes continue to serve the people of the region safely and effectively."

"Rutting on the Outer Ring Road is a concern shared by many motorists in the region," said Bob Ridgley, MHA for St. John's North. "This is the busiest section of highway in the province and any improvements that can be made to enhance the comfort and safety of those who travel it are certainly welcome."

The tender also includes rut repairs on a 1.4 kilometre section of Route 20, Torbay Road, approximately from Holy Trinity Elementary to Middle Cove Road.

"This section of Torbay Road is very heavily travelled by residents of and visitors to the area," said Kevin Parsons, MHA for Cape St. Francis. "Repairs to this heavily rutted section will certainly be noticed and welcomed by all motorists travelling in the area."

Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future allocates a record $1 billion for provincial infrastructure investments, for a total infrastructure strategy valued at more than $5 billion over the next several years. As part of this investment, $177.7 million in Provincial Government funding is allocated 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.

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