November 15, 1999
(Works, Services and Transportation)

Next phase of Outer Ring Road opens

Motorists looking to bypass heavy traffic sections in St. John's can now use another portion of the Outer Ring Road.

Rick Woodford, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, and Transport Minister David Collenette today announced that the second phase of the Outer Ring Road is now open to motorists. Drivers can now bypass the Allandale Road exit and proceed directly to Portugal Cove Road, where they can either take an exit for the airport or head in the opposite direction into St. John's.

"I've heard many positive comments from people using the Outer Ring Road," said Mr. Woodford. "They say the best thing about the road is how much it reduces their driving time. This latest portion of the highway will only enhance that, especially for people going to the airport."

The $68.2 million Outer Ring Road is a joint project between Transport Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador under the $405 million Trans Canada Highway Agreement. This highway agreement is funded by the Government of Canada as part of the $800.6 million Newfoundland Transportation Initiative.

"The completion of the second phase of the Outer Ring Road is another step in ensuring the people of St. John's and surrounding areas continue to have a safe and efficient transportation system," said Mr. Collenette.

The Outer Ring Road project consists of an approximately 20 kilometre four-lane divided highway that will connect the Trans Canada Highway near Donovan's Industrial Park in the west with Logy Bay Road in the east.

Construction on the first section of the Outer Ring Road, from Donovan's Industrial Park to Allandale Road, began in 1994 and was officially opened November 25, 1998. The final phase of the highway, which will stretch to the East White Hills Road, is expected to be completed by 2003.

Media contact:

Tracey Hennessey
Transport Canada
(709) 772- 6197

Lynn Evans
Works, Services and Transportation
(709) 729-3015

1999 11 15 5:00 p.m.