Construction on Team Gushue Highway Advances with $9.4 Million in Tender Contracts

Construction crews are making major progress along the Team Gushue Highway extension with the recent awarding of $9.4 million in tender contracts to construct a series of underpasses along the route. The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Transportation and Works, was on site today to view the progress being made.

“This investment of $9.4 million signifies our commitment to continue to invest in regional projects that strengthen communities and stimulate further growth,” said Minister McGrath. “The Team Gushue Highway extension is an important piece of regional infrastructure that will substantially improve traffic flow for motorists on the Northeast Avalon. The multi-year project is scheduled for completion in 2015.”

The Team Gushue Highway extension project is expected to cost $50 million. The project is being cost-shared with the Government of Canada contributing up to $22.5 million through the Building Canada Fund, and the Provincial Government is providing the balance of funding.

The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, congratulated the province of Newfoundland and Labrador on the progress made on this highway project. “Our government is proud to invest in infrastructure projects that create local jobs, promote economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Canadians. This investment demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to working with our provincial partners to improve transportation infrastructure in this region.”

The $5.8 million contract for the construction of concrete underpasses at Old Pennywell Road and the new Pennywell ‘Collector Road’ over Team Gushue Highway was awarded to Pennecon Heavy Civil Ltd. The $3.6 million construction contract for the 47-metre, five lane underpass on Captain Whelan Drive (Redmond’s Road area) over the Team Gushue Highway was awarded to Newfound Construction Ltd.

“There are more underpasses planned for the highway, one at Blackmarsh Road and two at Topsail Road, which are currently under design and will be tendered in spring 2014,” said Minister McGrath. “The Team Gushue Highway is a major piece of provincial infrastructure that will significantly improve overall traffic flow in the region.”

Through Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future, Provincial Government spending will exceed $866 million in infrastructure investments to help drive economic activity and generate 5,330 person years of employment.

Through the Building Canada Fund, the Government of Canada is providing $8.8 billion in funding to address national, regional and local infrastructure priorities and support projects designed to create a stronger economy, provide a cleaner environment and foster strong and prosperous communities. Since 2010, the Government of Canada has committed $67.7 million in funding through the Building Canada Fund to highway projects in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Team Gushue Highway extension underpass locations can be viewed at:
www.tw.gov.nl.ca/publications/Team_Gushue_Highway_Underpass.pdf 

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2013 10 30                                     2:15 p.m.