Government Investing Millions in Provincial Bridges

Six tenders for bridge work have recently been awarded and there are several more to be issued as the Department of Transportation and Works delivers on a long list of priority projects planned for this year.

“Bridge replacements and repairs play a significant role in our overall infrastructure improvement strategy,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Transportation and Works. “With each project undertaken, we deliver long-term benefits for local residents and we also provide economic benefits for local companies and local communities.”

Bridge tenders most recently awarded include:

• Replacement of Main Point Bridge on Route 332 was awarded to Trident Construction Ltd. with a contract value of $1,039,717;
• Rehabilitation of Sandy River Bridge on Route 370 was awarded to Mike Kelly and Sons Ltd. with a contract value of $497,630;
• Rehabilitation of Parsons Pond Bridge on Route 430 was awarded to Floyd’s Construction Ltd. with a contract value of $488,700;
• Rehabilitation of both North Harbour River Bridge and Little Salmonier River Bridge on Route 92 was awarded to CAN-AM Construction Ltd. with a contract value of $401,434;
• Replacement of Gull Island Bridge on Route 70 was awarded to Chard’s Construction Ltd. with a contract value of $598,680;
• Rehabilitation of Horwood River Bridge on Route 331 and the Curtis Causeway Bridge (Dildo Run) on Route 340 was awarded to Major’s Logging Ltd. with a total contract value of $478,050.

“The replacement of Main Point Bridge is welcome news for the people in our region who drive this road every day,” said Eli Cross, MHA for Bonavista North. “This investment demonstrates our government’s commitment to safe and secure highway infrastructure.”

A tender has also been called for the replacement of English Harbour East Bridge on Route 211-13 calling for a single lane 36-metre single span panel type bridge; and another for the replacement of Traverse Book Bridge on Route 320 which calls for a two-lane, 36-metre concrete girder bridge.

“Construction has already started on the new lift bridge in Placentia with a total investment this year of $20.6 million and a tender has been called for the construction of new approaches to the Sir Robert Bond Bridge,” said Minister Davis. “The long list of improvements being made by the Provincial Government will provide a safer transportation system throughout our province long into the future.”

Through Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future, Provincial Government spending will exceed $866 million on infrastructure projects and will generate 5,330 person years of employment. Investments will be made in all regions of Newfoundland and Labrador in key areas such as roads, bridges, marine services, health, education, municipal works, buildings and aquaculture.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2013 07 17             10:30 a.m.