Government Services
Transportation and Works
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
September 16, 2010
Tender Called for the Construction of New Fixed Weigh
Scales in Labrador West
The Provincial Government has called a tender to begin construction
of a new fixed weigh scales on the Trans Labrador Highway (TLH) in
Labrador West. This new weigh scales will bring the province's number of
permanent weigh scale operations to six and will serve to protect the
TLH from damage by overweight vehicles.
"Weigh scales are an important tool we use to help protect our roads
over the long-term from damage caused by overweight vehicles," said the
Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Government Services. "Our
government's investments in the Trans Labrador Highway are transforming
the very face of transportation in Labrador and benefiting people and
businesses all throughout the province. Installing weigh scales when the
highway is still new is a proactive measure and essential to ensuring
its protection."
The Department of Government Services is responsible for ensuring
that commercial traffic using the highways comply with weight and
dimension regulations. It also ensures that vehicles are mechanically
fit complying with federal and provincial legislation so that they
transport cargo and passengers in a safe manner.
"Since the idea of the Trans Labrador Highway was first conceived,
hundreds of millions of dollars has been spent on its construction,"
said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works.
"To date, the total value of widening and hard-surfacing of Phase I of
the highway, either completed or under contract to be completed, is
valued at nearly $55 million alone. The installation of a fixed weigh
scales in Labrador West is one way we can ensure we protect this
significant investment."
"The Trans Labrador Highway is changing the way people live, work,
travel and do business throughout this vast land," said the Honourable
John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. "As the construction of these
weigh scales clearly demonstrate, this government is firmly committed to
the building of Labrador's highway, and equally committed to its
protection and maintenance."
"The construction of a new fixed weigh scales in Labrador West is
certainly welcome," said Jim Baker, MHA for Labrador West. "This will
offer additional employment in the region but also, it will help to
ensure that the Trans Labrador Highway, which has become an essential
transportation link for so many people, is protected from undue damage
and wear in the years ahead."
Budget 2010:
The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our
Future
allocates funding to construct a weigh scale facility
on the Labrador West end of the TLH and to create six weigh-scale
inspector positions. Recruitment for six weigh scale inspectors has
begun and site preparation work will take place this fall. Construction
of the permanent facility is expected to begin this fall and to be
completed next construction season.
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