Road tenders are rolling out at a fast pace as this year's Provincial Roads Improvement Program continues to make headway throughout the province. Two new tenders have been called for work in the Trinity North, Bonavista South and Baie Verte regions.

"With each tender awarded we push a little further towards an overall improved transportation system throughout the province," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. �"These are investments that will continue to benefit local residents and visitors for many years to come."

The first tender for the upgrading and repaving of sections of Route 230-21 near English Harbour and the paving of sections of Route 230-31 near Champney's East.

The tender also calls for upgrading and repaving of sections of Route 235 between Newman's Cove and Knight's Cove, as well as sections of Route 238 near Elliston, and culvert replacements will be carried out near Stock Cove and Lethbridge.

"I am delighted to see these two pieces of work tendered for English Harbour and Champney's East," said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, MHA for Trinity North. "These were sections of road that were identified as a high priority for upgrading, and I am pleased to see that our government is acting to address these concerns."

"I welcome the announcement for upgrading and paving of sections of Route 235 and the main road through Elliston," said the Honourable Roger Fitzgerald, MHA for Bonavista South. "Route 235 is the scenic route used by tourists visiting the Bonavista Peninsula and Elliston is one of the tourism destinations. These upgrades will certainly enhance the tourism experience as well as provide a more comfortable ride for students using the bus service to attend local schools."

The second tender will be for upgrading　and paving of sections of Route 391 on King's Point road and Harry's Harbour Road. Paving will also take place on sections of Route 392 near St. Patrick's and Route 410, between Baie Verte and Fleur De Lys.

"These investments in transportation infrastructure throughout this region are vital to the residents and businesses as they depend on safe, reliable networks of roads to conduct their daily business," said Baie Verte-Springdale MHA Kevin Pollard.　 "I look forward to working with government and communities, as we strive to make continuous improvements to our roads system for the benefit of the travelling public."

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 is now valued at more than $5 billion over the next several years and is expected to generate 7,740 person years of employment in 2010-11.

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2010 05 13                                                    10:05 a.m.