Transportation and Works
June 23, 2017
Minister Hawkins Responds to Auditor General�s Report on Road Work
In response to the release of the Auditor General�s report, the Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Transportation and Works, noted that the Provincial Government has already made significant progress implementing recommendations included in the report and has taken the politics out of paving. The Provincial Government places emphasis on evidence and engagement with experts in the field.
In January, the Provincial Government announced a Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan that prioritizes road projects based on evidence, such as safety concerns, traffic volumes, socio-economic impact, and feedback from Newfoundland and Labrador�s motorists.
A public consultation was held in fall 2016 and the department received more than 560 submissions from residents who have first-hand knowledge of road conditions, which were used to develop the plan. A consultation will be held again this fall for input on future road work.
The plan also calls for tenders to be issued and awarded earlier in the year, which allows contractors to secure and maintain their labour pool and take full advantage of a short construction season. Tenders for this summer�s roadwork were issued by the end of March and have all been awarded.
These early tenders have led to more competitive bids and better value for taxpayers� money.
In addition, an asphalt testing pilot project, anticipated to begin in July, will also examine what asphalt specification is best suited for our climate and environment.
Quote
�We take the recommendations of the Office of the Auditor General seriously and have accepted all eight recommendations. It is important we not overlook that our Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan, which is based on evidence, rather than MHA priorities, has already begun improving the way road work is completed in Newfoundland and Labrador. Achieving better value for taxpayers� money is a priority for our department.�
Honourable Al Hawkins
Minister of Transportation and Works
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Learn more
Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan - www.tw.gov.nl.ca/TenderingandContracts/PDF/5yearplan.pdf
The Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainability and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador � thewayforward.gov.nl.ca
Government Announces Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan Developed through Evidence-based Planning - www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/tw/0131n01.aspx
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Media contact
Brian Scott
Transportation and Works
709-729-1758, 725-9201
brianscott@gov.nl.ca
2017 06 23 12:35 p.m.