Transportation and Works
January 31, 2017

Supporting Transportation and Economic Growth

Government Announces Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan Developed through Evidence-based Planning

The Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Transportation and Works, today released the Provincial Government�s Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan, 2017 edition and the full list of road tenders for 2017-18. The plan uses an evidence-based approach to build, renew and maintain transportation infrastructure and takes full advantage of Newfoundland and Labrador�s short construction season while allowing for more competitive bidding.

�There is significant demand for improvements to road infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. That is why it is so important for our government to establish this evidence-based, multi-year approach, which is open and transparent, reflects engineering assessments and input from the general public, and allows government to get the best value for taxpayers� money. Our new approach also embraces innovation as a means to improve the longevity of our roads and reduce maintenance costs. Launching the Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan is just the latest commitment to be met as part of government�s The Way Forward.�
- The Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Transportation and Works

During a public consultation in fall 2016, the department received more than 560 submissions from the general public on road work. Road projects were also prioritized using factors such as traffic volumes, safety, and socio-economic impacts, and selected based on evidence and input of the department�s engineers, industry and users of provincial roads and highways. The plan includes pilot projects for nighttime construction and asphalt testing.

�The heavy civil industry is extremely pleased with the Provincial Government's decision to capitalize on the benefits of an extended multi-year road-work plan and early tenders. We believe this decision: supports increased competition; better planning; more informed investment decisions; improves contractor�s ability to secure and maintain its labour pool; helps to keep skilled labour working in our province; and increases productivity for our short construction season. We would expect to see lower prices and less traffic congestion with work starting earlier in the year. This is beneficial to government, contractors and the general public.�
- Jim Organ, President, Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

The roads plan will be updated annually with a progress report on projects from the previous years. Projects will be added with each update and will include a complete list for that specific fiscal year.

This year, $77.2 million has been allocated for the Provincial Roads Program. Tenders for the 2017-18 construction season will be issued in three blocks beginning today (Tuesday, January 31). To view the Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan which includes the full list of projects for 2017-18, visit: www.tw.gov.nl.ca/TenderingandContracts/PDF/5yearplan.pdf. PDF file

This initiative is one of more than 50 included in The Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainability and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador available online at www.gov.nl.ca/pdf/the_way_forward.pdf. PDF File  The vision guides Provincial Government actions to achieve greater efficiency, strengthen the province�s economic foundation, enhance services and improve outcomes to promote a healthy and prosperous province.

QUICK FACTS

  • The Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan uses a multi-year approach to build, renew and maintain transportation infrastructure.
  • Projects are prioritized on traffic volumes, safety, socio-economic impact and input from users.
  • Decisions are based on evidence and input of the Department of Transportation and Works engineers, industry and users of provincial roads and highways.

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Media contacts:

Brian Scott
Media Relations Manager
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-1758, 725-9201
brianscott@gov.nl.ca
Jim Organ
Executive Director
Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland
and Labrador
709-364-8811, 682-7141
jorgan.hcanl@gmail.com

2017 01 31                              9:10 a.m.