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Transportation and Works
August 19, 2011

Searston Gut Bridge Replacement Plan Underway

Work to replace the Searston Gut Bridge in the Codroy Valley is progressing as the Provincial Government calls a tender for the removal of the current structure.

“I am pleased with the progress of this project,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. “Residents have relied on this bridge for many years and with a new structure in its place, the transportation network in this corner of the province will be enhanced.”

The Department of Transportation and Works has engaged AMEC to complete the design of a replacement bridge. This design will include a new bridge structure and new foundations. A tender has been issued for the removal of the current bridge.

With the design process underway, Amec is completing a survey of the topography of the land and the waterway channel in the area. In the coming weeks, a geotechnical investigation of the site to examine soil and rock conditions will take place.

“I am pleased to see this project move forward,” said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education and MHA for St. George’s - Stephenville East. “I would like to thank the residents of the Codroy Valley for their patience as they have been long anticipating the work to begin on this important piece of infrastructure.”

In November 2010, safety concerns with the bridge’s foundations and supporting structures were identified during an engineering inspection and the bridge was immediately closed to all traffic.

In April of this year, Minister Hedderson and Minister Burke announced the bridge would be replaced.

A tender for completing the project will be issued by mid to late September with project completion in 2012.

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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Media contacts:

Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 697-5267
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca
Janine Carter
Executive Assistant to the
Honourable Joan Burke, MHA
St. George's - Stephenville East
709-643-8676
janinecarter@gov.nl.ca

2011 08 19                                                                              11:25 p.m.

 
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