Road improvements announced for St. John�s North

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, Bob Ridgley, MHA for St. John�s North, and Andy Wells, Mayor of the City of St. John�s, today announced road upgrades for the St. John�s North District under the 2005-06 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

"One of the highlights of the 2004-05 Provincial Roads Improvement Program was a commitment by our government to complete the Bifurcation Road, linking Kenmount Road to the Outer Ring Road, in the City of St. John�s. Last year, we awarded a contract valued at over $488,300 for the grading of the Bifurcation Interchange with Kenmount Road. I am pleased to report that this contract is complete.

"In addition, we awarded a contract to Trident Construction valued at over $1.74 million for the construction of an overpass on Kenmount Road. Once complete, this overpass will link Kenmount Road to the Outer Ring Road via the Bifurcation Road. Work has commenced on this project," said the minister. "Government is still on track to complete this interchange in 2005. To that end, we will be calling tenders for paving the interchange early this summer."

"Government is also focusing its attention on other road projects for the St. John�s North District. Government plans to replace the culverts on Clinch Crescent West with a new bridge," said the minister. "This project is being carried out jointly with the City of St. John�s committing 25 per cent of the $750,000 estimated cost."

St. John�s North MHA Bob Ridgley said, "I am pleased government was able to cooperate with the city to facilitate these two important infrastructure initiatives for the people of St. John's. Linking Kenmount Road with the Outer Ring Road will be a giant step forward in improving traffic flow on Kenmount Road, while the bridge at Clinch Crescent will not only give safer access to the Health Science Centre, but will also be a great relief to residents of the Baird Sub-Division who worry about flooding. I want to commend the Baird Sub-Division Flood Committee for their unwavering efforts to have this bridge constructed at Clinch Crescent."

St. John�s Mayor Andy Wells said, "The completion of this section of the Bifurcation Road from the Outer Ring Road to Kenmount Road is a vital part of the city's transportation network. It is especially important given the recent commercial development and anticipated future growth of both commercial and residential development in the southwest area of the city. The city is pleased that the government has given this project a high priority."

Minister Rideout said, "Our government is committed to maximizing the benefits associated with a solid transportation infrastructure, including safer roadways and an increase in visitors to our communities. These initiatives are vital as we guide this province toward economic and fiscal stability, and an improved quality of life for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 690-8403

2005 05 26                             3:25 p.m.