New Searston Gut Bridge Opened

Codroy Valley residents now have a significantly improved transportation network in their region with today’s official opening of the new Searston Gut Bridge, made possible through a Provincial Government investment of approximately $4.8 million. The new bridge is one of more than 800 bridges throughout the provincial highway system that are maintained by the Department of Transportation and Works, with a total investment of more than $200 million being spent on bridge infrastructure since 2004.

“The Provincial Government is committed to providing transportation infrastructure that meets the social and economic needs of our communities, and this project was in keeping with that commitment,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Transportation and Works. “This new structure will serve the region for years to come, and will help people and goods travel efficiently through the area.”

The new steel structure with concrete foundations links Searston and Millville.

“Replacing this bridge was a priority for the people of this region, as the Searston Gut Bridge has long been a vital traffic route,” said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and MHA for St. George’s - Stephenville East. “The opening of this new multi-million dollar bridge is further evidence of how responsive this government is to the needs of residents throughout the province.”

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity includes an investment of $165.1 million to enhance provincial road and bridge infrastructure, supplemented by $60 million in Federal Government funding, for a total investment in 2012-13 of $225.1 million.

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2012 11 01             11:20 a.m.