Tender Called to Continue CBS Bypass Extension

The Provincial Government has called a tender to begin construction of the road bed for the Conception Bay South (CBS) Bypass extension, from Legion Road to the Conception Bay Highway, Route 60, at Seal Cove — a total distance of approximately 5.6 kilometres. The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works, made the announcement today.

"The CBS Bypass is truly an important part of the overall highway network in the eastern region of the province," said Minister Hedderson. "This road moves many thousands of people and vehicles each day in an area that is continually expanding. This extension will be a great addition that will further ease the flow of traffic in the area."

The CBS Bypass extension project, including construction of the road bed, is cost-shared by the Provincial and Federal Governments through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund. A contract for the clearing of shrubs and trees from the highway route was awarded in March and concluded in April 2010.

"We are starting to see this important extension of the CBS Bypass take shape," said the Honourable Terry French, MHA for Conception Bay South. "Once completed, this extension will help remove heavy commuter traffic from Route 60, which leads through the middle of the community. Allowing commuter traffic to bypass Route 60 will lead to more efficient traffic flow and increase motorist and pedestrian safety near residential and commercial properties in the Town of CBS."

It is expected that the CBS Bypass extension will be completed and open to the public in late 2011.

Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future allocates a record $1 billion for provincial infrastructure investments, for a total infrastructure strategy valued at more than $5 billion over the next several years. As part of this investment, $177.7 million in Provincial Government funding is allocated 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.

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2010 08 13                                                   11:20 a.m.