Responsible Decisions Support a Vibrant Economy

Major Improvements Coming for Bay d’Espoir Highway

Significant upgrades are on the way for the Bay d’Espoir Highway as the Provincial Government delivers on a commitment to issue project tenders early in order to get a jump start on road construction throughout the province. The tender is a part of a $30 million pre-commitment of Budget 2014.

“Each year, our government makes significant investments in transportation infrastructure in all regions of the province. Following productive discussion with the Heavy Civil Association and wider industry, we are fulfilling our commitment to advance tenders at this time in order to take advantage of the full construction season. This is made possible by our pre-commitment of $30 million for 2014-15 in early tendering.”
- The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Transportation and Works

The project tender calls for the rehabilitation of more than 30 kilometres of Route 360, Bay d’Espoir Highway. The work will include upgrades between kilometres 80.6 and 86.6, as well as kilometres 170.9 to 198.2. The closing date for the project tender is April 1, 2014.

“The Bay d’Espoir Highway is a lifeline for the people in our region and major improvements to the highway will continue to help drive economic activity for local businesses, while at the same time enhancing overall safety for all motorists travelling in our area of the province.”
- Tracey Perry, MHA for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune

The $30 million funding is a pre-commitment under the full Department of Transportation and Works budget plan for the year. Further funding allocations for the transportation infrastructure program will be determined during the annual budget process.

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• Significant upgrades are coming soon for Bay d’Espoir Highway with the issue of this early tender.
• An investment of $30 million is facilitating an early start to road construction this year.
• Early tenders will help contractors maintain a skilled labour force in our province.
• This tender builds on the $8.7 million invested in road work in this region over the last three years;
• Since 2004, more than $1.6 billion has been invested to upgrade more than 25 per cent (2,800 kilometres) of total roads and highways in the province.

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2014 03 05                                             3:45 p.m.