Addressing wheel-rutting and paving needs highlight road improvements slated for the Lewisporte area this construction season.

The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Transportation and Works, announced today that the area will receive $2.2 million in upgrades as part of the 2008-09 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

"No other government in the province�s history has put such a focus on improving transportation infrastructure as this government has," said Minister Whalen. "The record-setting funding for the Provincial Roads Improvement Program is proof of this commitment."

Road work planned for the Lewisporte region includes:

• Repair wheel-rutting on the Trans Canada Highway, near Norris Arm;
• Upgrade and pave various sections of Route 3-1-09, Norris Arm North;
• Resurface a section of Route 331-10, through the community of Horwood;
• Pave turn-around at Porterville;
• Pave Clyde�s Lane, Brown�s Arm;
• Pave Church Road, Port Albert;
• Pave Hodder�s Lane, Stoneville; and,
• Upgrade and pave Route 331, Horwood intersection towards Rogers Cove.

"I am very pleased with these road upgrades for my district," said Wade Verge, MHA for Lewisporte. "This significant investment clearly demonstrates the Provincial Government's commitment to ensuring the safety of those travelling on our roads."

The Provincial Roads Improvement Program will create an estimated 1,400 person years of employment and is part of the Provincial Government�s infrastructure strategy, valued at more than $2 billion.

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2008 03 18                                                    3:40 p.m.