Brush Clearing to Take Place Throughout Province

Six contracts have been awarded that will see a total of approximately 235 kilometres of brush cleared along highways throughout the province.

“Brush clearing along highways has been identified as a best practice as it increases driver visibility around intersections, and provides for unobstructed views of signage and potential hazards such as moose,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. “Our government has invested in a dedicated brush clearing program since 2006 and we are pleased to continue the program this year.”

The sections of highway to be cleared are;

• The Trans Canada Highway (TCH) from Foxtrap interchange to Holyrood (approximately 18 kilometres on one side of the highway to complete work started last year) and from Holyrood to Whitbourne (approximately 41 kilometres);
• Route 100, Argentia Access Road, between the intersection of Route 101 and Placentia (approximately 21 kilometres) and from Ship Cove to Branch (approximately 48 kilometres);
• Route 73, New Harbour Road, (approximately nine kilometres) and Route 75, Veterans Memorial Highway, from North River toward Harbour Grace (approximately 19 kilometres);
• The TCH from Northwest Brook to Hillview (approximately seven kilometres) and the Bonavista Peninsula Highway from Lethbridge to Rattle Falls (approximately 23 kilometres);
• The TCH from Scott Avenue in Grand Falls-Windsor to the Red Cliff overpass (approximately two kilometres); and,
• Route 330, Gander Bay Road, from Island Pond Brook toward Gander Bay (approximately six kilometres); Main Point toward Ladle Cove (approximately 35 kilometres); and, from Anchor Brook toward Lumsden (approximately six kilometres).

“This work has a total value of more than $1 million and will benefit all motorists travelling in these areas of our province,” said Minister Hedderson.

Areas that are cleared of brush this year will undergo vegetation control treatment next year, ensuring up to 10 years of brush-free highway rights-of-way in treated areas.

In July, the Provincial Government announced an investment of approximately $5 million for a series of initiatives aimed at reducing the number of moose-vehicle collisions in the province. As part of that investment, an additional $1 million was added to the annual $2 million brush clearing and vegetation control budget.

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Media contact:

Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 697-5267
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca 

2011 08 18                                                                                   12:10 p.m.