Governments Enhance Transportation Network throughout Newfoundland and Labrador

Residents and businesses throughout Newfoundland will benefit from improved road infrastructure with today’s announcement of funding for the replacement of the Sir Robert Bond Bridge, and the rehabilitation of the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) near Gander and Stephenville.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to be investing in two important road projects for Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Peter Penashue, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Member of Parliament for Labrador. “Replacing the Sir Robert Bond Bridge and repairing sections of the Trans-Canada Highway near Gander and Stephenville will create jobs, contribute to the local economy and make commuting safer and more efficient for all motorists.”

“The infrastructure funding we are announcing today will significantly enhance key transportation infrastructure in this province,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. “The improvements that will result from these projects will advance the social and economic well-being of residents throughout the island for years to come.”

Sir Robert Bond Bridge replacement
The Sir Robert Bond Bridge is the only highway crossing of the Exploits River. It is a critical link on the Trans-Canada Highway, and a vital part of the national and provincial transportation network. The bridge, which underwent repairs in 2011, has an estimated remaining life span of five years. Construction of the new bridge is expected to begin this fall and be completed during the summer of 2015.

The Government of Canada is setting aside up to one-half of eligible costs, to a maximum of $10 million, with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador providing up to $12.8 million. The total eligible cost of the project is $22.8 million.

Trans-Canada Highway rehabilitation
The proposed TCH rehabilitation project involves improving 32.2 kilometres of highway, including an 11.5-kilometre section near Stephenville and a 20.7 kilometre section near Gander. These upgrades will ensure that the TCH between Gander and Stephenville continues to be safe and efficient for travellers. Work will consist of resurfacing, replacement of selected culverts, guiderails, and signs that have reached the end of their service life. Work is expected to begin this fall and should be completed next fall.

The Government of Canada is setting aside up to one-half of eligible costs, to a maximum of $5,891,000, with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador providing up to $6,109,000. The total estimated cost of the project is $12 million.

The federal contribution for both projects is being provided through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF), which supports large-scale infrastructure projects that strengthen areas vital to sustaining economic growth. Federal funding is conditional on Treasury Board approval and the signing of a contribution agreement.

Investing in infrastructure is a key part of the Government of Canada's plan to create jobs, promote growth and ensure long-term prosperity. To develop a new long-term infrastructure plan for beyond 2014, the Government of Canada is working with provinces, territories, municipalities through municipal associations and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, as well as other key stakeholders in a series of roundtables. This plan will focus on investments that support job creation and economic growth, while building strong, prosperous communities across the country. Working together to develop this plan will provide new opportunities for all orders of government and the private sector to build partnerships to improve public infrastructure in Canada.

For more information on Government of Canada investments in Newfoundland and Labrador and to stay up-to-date with Infrastructure Canada Web feeds, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca.  

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Photo #1: Transportation and Works Minister Tom Hedderson announces federal-provincial funding of more than $34 million to replace the Sir Robert Bond Bridge and for rehabilitation of the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) near Gander and Stephenville. - September 14, 2012

Photo #2: Provincial Ministers Tom Hedderson and Susan Sullivan, Federal Minister Peter Penashue, and MHAs Wade Verge and Clayton Forsey, attend the annoucement of over $34 Million to replace the Sir Robert Bond Bridge and enhance the TCH in the Central and Western Regions. - September 14, 2012

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2012 09 14                               10:30 a.m.