Paving and Road Upgrades Stretch Along the Great Northern Peninsula

Several roads throughout the Northern Peninsula will receive upgrades through this year's Provincial Roads Improvement Program. A tender has been called for work on Route 430 and the St. Barbe Loop Road, as well as improvements in Pond Cove, Blue Cove, Plum Point, Conche, and Roddickton.

"This government is making great progress in getting tenders out and road work started in all areas of the province," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. "Our aggressive roads improvement strategy is one part of our unprecedented overall infrastructure renewal effort, which is valued at more than $5 billion over the next several years."

The tender is for the pulverizing and paving of Route 430 from Portland Creek to Daniels Harbour, pulverizing and paving sections of local roads in Pond Cove, Blue Cove and Plum Point and paving sections of the St. Barbe Loop Road. The tender also calls for the pulverizing and paving of sections of local roads in Conche and Roddickton.

"With an abundance of attractions all along this peninsula, it is wonderful to see the Provincial Government make these investments and help roll out a welcome mat for everyone exploring this part of the province and beyond," said Wally Young, MHA for St. Barbe. "The Northern Peninsula also serves as a vital gateway between Labrador and the island and this role has become even more important with the recent completion of Phase III of the Trans Labrador Highway. Investments in Route 430 serve to benefit residential, commercial and tourism traffic between both the island and Labrador regions of the province."

Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future provides $177.7 million in Provincial Government funding for road and bridge expenditures throughout the province. This funding will be supplemented by an additional $57.9 million in Federal Government funding for a total road and bridge investment of $235.6 million in 2010-11. The Provincial Government's overall infrastructure strategy includes investments in municipalities, healthcare, education, justice, social housing, transportation, and environment and conservation.

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2010 04 22                                                   10:55 a.m.