Transportation and Works
July 19, 2017

Minister Hawkins Provides Update on Road Work in Labrador Straits Area

Following a meeting on Monday, July 10, the Department of Transportation and Works is taking a number of steps to address the issues raised by municipal leaders throughout the Labrador Straits area.

At the request of community leaders, the project planned for this year in the Forteau-English Point area has been modified from pulverize and pave to levelling. Along with the levelling project continuing from last year, this will address the highest need areas identified at the meeting. This includes:

  • Forteau gas station area
  • English Point to L�Anse Amour branch road
  • West St. Modeste
  • The Battery area
  • Black Rocks-L�Anse au Clair area

Summer maintenance activities have been increased with the use of a hot asphalt recycler and an additional crew which will remain until current maintenance issues are addressed. Recycled hot mix asphalt has greater performance and longevity than traditional cold mix asphalt.

This additional work and the levelling project in the Forteau to English Point area will address safety concerns that have been raised. While municipal leaders had requested additional levelling, any further levelling carried out this year would have to be redone in a short period of time with a more permanent repair.

The department continues to work closely with the contractor to ensure projects are delivered as quickly as possible. The contractor�s asphalt plant is in place and the contractor advises they are working to have it operational in the coming days.

Quote
�Much needed road improvements in the Straits area are moving ahead. The multi-year roads plan prioritizes projects based on criteria such as safety, reliability and usage. In the plan, over $25 million is allocated to this area of the province to ensure this work gets done. In addition, there is over $100 million which will be invested for the Trans Labrador Highway over the next three years. Projects included in the roads plan reflect that the Straits area is a priority, and we are taking actions to ensure upgrades and safety for residents.�
Honourable Al Hawkins
Minister of Transportation and Works

- 30 -

Learn More
Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan - www.tw.gov.nl.ca/TenderingandContracts/PDF/5yearplan.pdf PDF

Media contact
Brian Scott
Transportation and Works
709-729-1758, 725-9201
brianscott@gov.nl.ca

2017 07 19                              5:55 p.m.