Significant Enhancements Made to Provincial Infrastructure Throughout 2012

From major highway construction, to building enhancements, to new airplanes and ferries, the Department of Transportation and Works has undertaken a wide array of large infrastructure projects throughout 2012 to meet the social and economic needs of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Our communities can see positive development all around the province, in the kilometres of asphalt laid on the Trans Labrador Highway, and in the emerging corridor being constructed for the future Team Gushue Highway,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Transportation and Works. “This year, we have accomplished much in strengthening our provincial infrastructure.”

In January, construction began on the Team Gushue Highway extension, and throughout the year, commuters in the capital city region have seen much progress. This $13 million investment will create the highway bed for a key piece of regional highway infrastructure, which is designed to ease traffic flow on the northeast Avalon.

The issuing of the final two paving tenders for Phase I of the Trans Labrador Highway, which involved an investment of $65.8 million, was a significant achievement for the people of Labrador. These two-year contracts will see the completion of Phase I and provide a continuous paved road from the Quebec border west of Labrador City to Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

“This government has completed a road that enables individuals to travel across Labrador by vehicle, an unprecedented achievement for transportation in Labrador,” said Minister Davis. “Labrador is a place of extraordinary potential, and we are now helping the region realize that potential by widening and hard surfacing the highway to promote travel, commercial activity, and industrial development. Phase I is an important step toward the completion of the Trans Labrador Highway.”

The Department of Transportation and Works also took a huge step forward in the provision of the provincial ferry service with the issuance of a request for proposals to construct a new 42-metre vessel, and a new ferry to service Fogo Island and Change Islands. This process will ensure the best price and most competitive timeframe for vessel construction. As well, a request for proposals was issued for purpose-built ice-class vessels to provide passenger, freight and vehicle ferry services for the Strait of Belle Isle and coastal Labrador.

Progress was also made in 2012 to implement accessibility at provincial Arts and Culture Centres. These projects will be completed under the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador‘s strategy for inclusion of persons with disabilities, Access. Inclusion. Equality. A first for Newfoundland and Labrador, the strategy is a framework to support action towards inclusion, making everyday activities accessible and inclusive.

In the spring, a new Bombardier CL-415 water bomber aircraft entered service, as part of a multi-year plan which saw four new water bombers join the provincial fleet. This aircraft is helping to protect communities and forest resources throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to enhancing provincial infrastructure through multi-year investments valued in excess of $5 billion. Through investments such as these in 2012, the Department of Transportation and Works is helping to provide provincial infrastructure that links and protects our communities.

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Media contact:
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-5668
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca 

2012 12 28                                   10:50 a.m.