Transportation and Works
May 15, 2015
Improving Transportation Networks
Upgrading Will Improve Trans Canada Highway Between Gambo and Benton
A tender is being called for road upgrades to the Trans Canada Highway (Route 1) between Gambo and Benton. An allocation of almost $16 million was announced though Budget 2015 for upgrades to this 13.9 kilometre stretch of highway, as well as another major project to upgrade Route 1 from Salmonier Line to Whitbourne. Both projects will be cost-shared with the Federal Government.
“The area between Gambo and Benton represents a main connector between the eastern and western regions of the island portion of our province and is frequently travelled by residents, businesses and visitors. The funding announced in Budget 2015 will provide various upgrades to nearly 14 kilometres of highway. It is another example of the significant funding - over $400 million, that has been invested in recent years to maintain, upgrade and enhance hundreds of kilometres of roads, as well as repair or replace over 25 bridges.”
- The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works
The tender includes:
- Replacement of approximately 50 culverts;
- Sub-excavation of 1,000 lane metres to repair frost bumps;
- Ditching to improve drainage;
- Construction of left turning lanes at two locations;
- Extension of four existing climbing lanes to enhance sight distance;
- Placement of 40 millimetre levelling course asphalt and 50 millimetre surface course asphalt over the full 13.9 kilometres of the project; and
- Replacement of guide rails and signage.
“This section of highway from Gambo to Benton is used regularly by residents of my district to access employment and services in the Gander region. Over the past number of years, extensive improvements have been made in our road networks and funding provided in Budget 2015 will see that commitment continue.”
- The Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister of Child Youth and Family Services and MHA for Terra Nova
The Provincial Government remains committed to providing a safe and reliable transportation network throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Over $317 million will be invested this year in these and other priority infrastructure projects such as wharf upgrades, the start of construction of the new Sir Robert Bond Bridge, continued replacement of the Placentia Lift Bridge, and maintenance, repairs and improvements to provincial buildings.
QUICK FACTS
- A tender is being called for upgrades to Route 1 between Gambo and Benton.
- Budget 2015 allocates almost $16 million for these upgrades, as well as major upgrades to Route 1 from Salmonier Line to Whitbourne that have already been tendered.
- Over $317 million will be invested this year in these and other priority infrastructure projects such as wharf upgrades, the start of construction of the new Sir Robert Bond Bridge, continued replacement of the Placentia Lift Bridge, and maintenance, repairs and improvements to provincial buildings.
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Media contacts:
| Jacquelyn Howard Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 689-2624 jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca |
Ang Chatman Constituency Assistant to the Honourable Sandy Collins MHA for Terra Nova 709-467-1018 angchatman@gov.nl.ca |
2015 05 15 12:00 p.m.