Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada Improve Safety for Travellers on the Veterans Memorial Highway

  • Transportation and Infrastructure

June 28, 2018

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Transportation and Works, and Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, today announced over $4.8 million in funding for improvements to the Veterans Memorial Highway.

The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador will contribute $2.6 million towards the project with the Government of Canada contributing up to $2.2 million through the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National Regional Projects.

Work includes the creation of additional ramps at the Valley Road interchange on Route 70 in Carbonear, and the addition of rumble strips and climbing lanes along Route 75, between the Trans-Canada Highway and the Bay Roberts Interchange at Country Road.

The work marks the first time in the province’s history that rumble strips will be added to the centre line of a highway where passing is prohibited to alert motorists who inadvertently veer from their lane. The strips will also be added to the highway shoulders.

The two additional right-turning ramps on Route 70 will also increase safety and eliminate the need for vehicles, including school buses to and from of Carbonear Academy and Carbonear Collegiate, to cross oncoming traffic to exit the highway.

These improvements not only mean safer roads, fewer accidents and reduced congestion during busy times, but they also support the continued economic growth of the region and the efficient transportation of goods across the province.

For updates on active road work and construction slow downs, visit www.roads.gov.nl.ca.

This initiative delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation and deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.

Quotes
“These upgrades to Veteran’s Memorial Highway and Route 70 will help prevent accidents that have increased in this area by creating opportunities to pass slowly moving vehicles and alerting motorists who veer from their lanes. However, we continue to stress that everyone needs to reduce their speed, put down their cellphones and pay attention while driving on all highways. We will also continue to work with local law enforcement to ensure motorists drive at reasonable speeds for the safety of everyone.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Transportation and Works

“Strategic investments in transportation infrastructure help address issues along vital road and highway corridors to increase public safety. The Government of Canada is dedicated to supporting these improvements to the Veterans Memorial Highway, ensuring that both people and products can move quickly and safely, while fostering long-term prosperity for years to come.”
Ken McDonald
Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“Veterans Memorial Highway connects communities throughout Conception Bay North to each other and the rest of the province. Thousands of motorists travel the highway each day, and we have listened to their concerns. The addition of climbing lanes, rumble strips and digital signage are important actions that will make this road safer to travel on.”
Pam Parsons
MHA for Harbour Grace – Port de Grave

“Far too many accidents and fatalities have occurred on Veterans Memorial Highway, which residents in the District of Harbour Main must travel on to shop, to get to work and to attend medical and other appointments. I am pleased that both the federal and provincial governments have recognized that improvements are needed. Making this section of highway safer is welcome news for residents of communities throughout this region of the province.”
Betty Parsley
MHA for Harbour Main

– 30 –

Learn More

The Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainability and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador – thewayforward.gov.nl.ca

Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan, 2018-19 Edition – www.roads.gov.nl.ca

Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan: www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html 

Federal infrastructure investments in Newfoundland and Labrador: www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/nl-eng.html 

Atlantic Growth Strategy: www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/ags-sca/Eng/atlantic-growth.html 

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL  and @TW_GovNL 

Media contacts
Rod Drover 
Transportation and Works
709-729-1758, 730-4607
rodneycdrover@gov.nl.ca 

Kristina George
Government Members Office
709-729-5306, 693-7488
kristinageorge@gov.nl.ca

Kate Monfette
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-301-0894
kate.monfette@canada.ca

Infrastructure Canada 
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
infc.media.infc@canada.ca

2018 06 28 10:25 am