Burin Peninsula Region to Benefit from Road Work

The Burin Peninsula region will see more road improvements this season as the Provincial Government continues to advance its multi-year infrastructure strategy currently valued at more than $5 billion. The Department of Transportation and Works has called two tenders that will see highway improvements throughout the region.

“As we continue our aggressive infrastructure investment, we are making necessary improvements to our transportation network and helping to strengthen our economy, particularly in rural regions,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. “Throughout the province, we are making tangible improvements to important public infrastructure that helps to connect and serve our communities.”

One tender is for the permanent replacement of the large culvert structure at Cape Roger River, on Petite Forte Road, which was washed out during Hurricane Igor. The second tender calls for the upgrading and resurfacing of various sections of routes 220-19 and 220-20, near Baine Harbour, and the upgrading and paving of sections of routes 210-26-3 and 210-26-4 near Spanish Room.

“I am pleased to see these tender calls which include significant roadwork in the Burin Peninsula region,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and MHA for Burin-Placentia West. “The projects announced today will help to address areas damaged by Hurricane Igor as well as to address other areas of needed improvement. This work will be of benefit to many residents, tourists and commercial drivers.”

Also included in the second tender is the resurfacing of a 1.8 kilometre section of Route 221 near Burin and the pulverizing and repaving of a 3.6 kilometre section of Route 220 near Point May. The tender will also include the replacement of two culverts, one on Route 212 near Bay L’Argent intersection and one on Route 210 near Country Pond as well as various repairs to Hurricane Igor damage on the Burin Peninsula.

“The calling of these tenders is great news for the people travelling in these areas of our province,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and MHA for Grand Bank. “When we strengthen the transportation network in any region, we help to strengthen the economy, enhance the tourism experience and provide better roads for residents as they go about their day to day activities.”

“A solid highway network is essential for the efficient movement of people and goods throughout the province,” said Calvin Peach, MHA for Bellevue. “The work to be completed as a result of these tenders will enhance the travelling experience for residents, tourists and businesses.”

Budget 2011 - Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador provides more than $1 billion for provincial infrastructure investments. This includes $216.4 million in Provincial Government funding for road and bridge improvements throughout the province. This funding will be supplemented by an additional $35.2 million in Federal Government funding, providing for a total road and bridge investment in 2011-12 of $251.6 million.

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2011 07 12                                                 9:40 a.m.