Extensive Roadwork Planned for Central Region

Significant new pavement will be laid in several areas in the central region throughout this summer as the Provincial Government continues to roll out investments in road and bridge infrastructure.

“This tender will significantly enhance the driving experience of residents in Grand Falls-Windsor, Point Leamington, Leading Tickles, Norris Arm North, and points in between,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. “This is a further example of how our ongoing Provincial Roads Improvement Program is ensuring a strong transportation network both today, and for years to come.”

As part of the tender, various sections of the Trans Canada Highway between the Sir Robert Bond Bridge and the divided highway at Grand Falls-Windsor will be planed and repaved.

“This section of the Trans Canada Highway is very important to many commuters in the central region,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services and MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans. “I am pleased to see these significant road upgrades put in place to the benefit of travellers and commercial traffic.”

The tender will also see 4.2 kilometres of road upgraded at locations between the communities of Point Leamington and Leading Tickles.

“These road upgrades around the Bond Bridge, Point Leamington, and Leading Tickles are of great importance to area residents,” said Clayton Forsey, MHA for Exploits. “Due to the increase in tourism activity in the area, this work will enhance the driving experience for both tourists and residents.”

In addition, the tender will include 2.6 kilometres of road paved near Norris Arm North.

“I am very pleased to see this enhancement made to this section of road during this construction season,” said Wade Verge, MHA for Lewisporte. “This work is a fine example of how our road improvement program is enhancing secondary roads as well as the Trans Canada Highway.”

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity includes an investment of $165.1 million to enhance provincial road and bridge infrastructure, which involves $60.1 million in continued investment in the Provincial Roads Improvement Program. This investment is supplemented by $60 million in Federal Government funding, for a total investment in 2012-13 of $225.1 million.

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2012 07 11                          10:20 a.m.