Road improvements announced for Bonavista North

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, and Harry Harding, MHA for Bonavista North, today announced road projects for the Bonavista North district valued at over $2 million. Funding for these projects is made available under the 2005-06 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

Minister Rideout said: "As part of government�s ongoing commitment to rehabilitating our provincial roads infrastructure, there will be a continuation of the commitment of $35 million for the Provincial Roads Improvement Program allocated in Budget 2005, plus $3.7 million in carryovers from last year.

"I am pleased to announce a substantial allotment of over $2 million for roads in the Bonavista North district."

Planned work for the district includes:

• $175,000 in funding for resurfacing a section of Route 332-28, between the bridge in Main Point and Route 330;
• $700,000 for sectional upgrading and resurfacing of Route 320/330 between Centreville and Lumsden;
• $220,000 in funding to continue upgrading between Noggin Cove and Fredericton;
• $300,000 for sectional work on Route 331 in Gander Bay North, between Clarke�s Head and Victoria Cove;
• $175,000 for sectional work in Ladle Cove and Aspen Cove;
• $575,000 in funding for sectional upgrading and resurfacing of Route 330 between George�s Point and Gander.

"Today�s $2 million roadwork announcement is great news for the district of Bonavista North. The scheduled upgrading and resurfacing work will provide much needed improvements to the road infrastructure in my district and increase safety for the traveling public," said Mr. Harding. "Improved road infrastructure will also enhance the experience of visitors to the area and will likely have a positive effect on the local tourism industry. This announcement is just another example of our government's continuing commitment to providing and maintaining quality rural infrastructure."

"Our government is committed to the development of rural Newfoundland and Labrador and ensuring a safe and reliable roads infrastructure," continued the minister. "Road work will create employment opportunities and an improved transportation network should increase visitors to our communities. The allocation in Budget 2005 for the Provincial Roads Improvement Program demonstrates our commitment to our roads and their significance to rural development."

Media contact: Danny Pond, Communications, (709) 729-1758, 685-3415

2005 07 12                          11:25 a.m.