The Williams Government continues to revitalize roads throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced $700,000 to improve roads in the Carbonear-Harbour Grace and Port de Grave areas under the Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

"Budget 2007 has allowed this government to invest substantially in improving our provincial transportation infrastructure," said Minister Hickey. "An unprecedented $66.5 million was announced for the program this year, the most ever invested."

This year in the Carbonear-Harbour Grace area, government will repair rutting on the Carbonear By-Pass Road and resurface a section of Route 70 between Victoria and Salmon Cove, near Persalvic Elementary.

In the Port de Grave area, government will improve roadside drainage at various locations and resurface various sections of Route 70 in Spaniards Bay.

Government estimates the Provincial Roads Improvement Program creates 1,200 person years of employment, with 94 per cent of the work being done in rural areas. This is the second year of government�s six-year strategy for infrastructure improvements exceeding $2 billion.

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Media contact:
David Salter
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 691-3577
DavidSalter@gov.nl.ca

2007 05 23                                                   9:55 a.m.