Motorists in the Bay of Islands area are the latest to benefit from the Williams Government�s unprecedented, $73 million strategy to improve provincial roads.

The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Transportation and Works, announced today the investment of $2.5 million for upgrades to road infrastructure in the area, as part of the 2008-09 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

"This government recognizes the monumental task ahead of us to improve road conditions across the province," said Minister Whalen. "That�s why the Williams Government has more than doubled funding to the roads improvement program over the last several years."

Road work planned for the Bay of Islands area includes resurfacing sections of Routes 440 and 450. A portion of the funding is a carry-over from last year.

"The travelling public expects and deserves safe roads on which to drive, and I am extremely pleased with the announced resurfacing work for my district," said Terry Loder, MHA for the Bay of Islands.  "This significant investment demonstrates our government's commitment to maintaining the transportation infrastructure throughout the province."

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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