Transportation and Works
December 2, 2011
New Traffic Lanes Will Enhance Access to Ferry Terminal in Portugal Cove-St. Phillips
A new traffic configuration in Portugal Cove - St. Phillips will improve access to the terminal for people who use the Bell Island Ferry service. The changes are the result of a $516,000 investment by the Provincial Government, and will become operational during the week of December 5.
“This project will significantly improve traffic flow at the terminal to the benefit of everyone who lives in or drives through the area,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. “The Provincial Government has been addressing transportation issues throughout the province by collaborating with communities as we carry out our Infrastructure Strategy, and this project is another example of how partnership has improved transportation in the province.”
Improvements to the traffic flow at the terminal include:
- The establishment of two new dedicated ferry traffic lanes for cars that are boarding a ferry, which will draw considerably more traffic away from the main thoroughfare;
- A paved parking area located on the breakwater and the establishment of dedicated bus parking;
- A redesign of ticket booth operations to allow drivers to buy tickets in advance of reaching the terminal;
- An enhanced drainage system through the intersection; and,
- A widening of the gravel shoulder on Portugal Cove Road to accommodate overflow traffic.
“I am very pleased to see these changes put into effect, as they will have a positive impact on traffic safety in the area, and have the potential to enhance tourism for both Portugal Cove-St. Philips and Bell Island,” said David Brazil, MHA for Conception Bay East - Bell Island. “I commend the community leaders who brought this project forward and worked with the Provincial Government to make this project possible.”
These improvements will bring about significant change in the way commuters board the ferry service to travel to Bell Island. Flag persons and electronic signage will be put in place when the new system of lanes is opened to assist travelers.
Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador provided more than $1 billion for provincial infrastructure investments, which included funding for maintenance and upgrades to wharves and ferry terminals.
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Photo: Diagram of new lane system.
Media contacts:
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Jason Card Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca |
Donna Ivey Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-0898, 697-1424 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
2011 12 02 1:30 p.m.