Transportation and Works
July 10, 2015

Regional Investments Support Provincial Transportation Network

Construction Begins on Replacement of Sir Robert Bond Bridge

During an event today, Friday, July 10, the Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works, and Clayton Forsey, MHA for the District of Exploits, marked the beginning of the construction phase of the Sir Robert Bond Bridge replacement project.

“Today marks a key milestone in the replacement of the Sir Robert Bond Bridge. It is with great pride that we mark the beginning of construction of this new bridge, which is a vital part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s transportation network. A significant amount of work has already occurred, and the construction of the bridge has now begun. By 2017, residents and the travelling public will have a new bridge to cross over the Exploits River.”
- The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works

The new structure will be a three span, 210 metre, double steel box girder bridge with reinforced concrete. The project is being cost-shared between the provincial and federal governments at an approximate cost of $22.4 million over three years. Over $2 million has already been spent on site work and other preparations.

“I am pleased to join Minister Brazil in highlighting the significant ongoing work for replacing the old Sir Robert Bond Bridge. This bridge has been a part of the Central Newfoundland landscape for decades, connecting the Trans-Canada Highway across the Exploits River. The new bridge will be of great benefit to the traveling public, and will be of significance to both residents and visitors for years to come.”
- Clayton Forsey, MHA for Exploits

On June 2, 2015, the Provincial Government announced a tender had been awarded to Johnson’s Construction Ltd. for the work, valued at $13.8 million. While the new bridge is under construction, the existing structure will be maintained and receive any required repair work to ensure it remains safe for the motoring public. Upon completion of the new bridge, the existing structure will be completely removed.

Over the past three years, more than $400 million has been spent in maintaining, upgrading and enhancing hundreds of kilometres of roads, as well as replacing 23 bridges and repairing 40 other bridges throughout the province. High quality transportation infrastructure is integral to the social and economic growth of Newfoundland and Labrador, which are key elements of the recently launched Population Growth Strategy.

QUICK FACTS

• An event today marked the start of the construction phase for the new structure that will replace the Sir Robert Bond Bridge spanning the Exploits River.
• Approximately $2 million has been spent to date on the replacement of the Sir Robert Bond Bridge. This work has included brush clearing, relocating utilities, and construction of new road alignments.
• The project will take two construction seasons to complete and the new bridge is anticipated to be opened in 2017.

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2015 07 10                              2:15 p.m.