The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Transportation and Works:

Road and Highway Infrastructure Remain a Priority

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to highlight a number of key accomplishments we have made to strengthen the transportation network throughout our province and to reaffirm our steadfast commitment to continue to upgrade our roads and highways.

Our government invested more than $165 million in road, bridge and highway construction last year with an additional $60 million in federal support for a total investment of $225 million. Budget 2013 provides $169 million with an additional $77 million through infrastructure agreements with the Government of Canada for a total investment of $249 million for road, bridge and highway construction in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, our government has made tremendous progress on the construction of the Trans Labrador Highway, with a total investment of $450 million to date. We will complete the last full season of paving on Phase I and start widening and paving sections of Phase II and III. We look forward to celebrating the completion of Phase I next year.

Significant road construction projects recently completed include the Kenmount Road Overpass and the Torbay Bypass which have improved the transportation network on the Northeast Avalon considerably. Construction of a four-lane divided highway from the Massey Drive Interchange to the Corner Brook Industrial Access Road helps enhance the flow of traffic through the region.

Mr. Speaker we will see major Trans Canada Highway rehabilitation projects undertaken this year including work near Stephenville and Gander. The Conception Bay South Bypass will be completed this year and construction will continue on the Team Gushue Highway.

Bridge work continues to be a priority. Our government is replacing the bridge at Little Barachois Brook and Robinson’s River Bridge on the west coast and E.S. Spencer Bridge over the Terra Nova River. Construction will also soon begin on the Sir Robert Bond Bridge and the Placentia Lift Bridge.

Mr. Speaker, these responsible decisions we make today encourage economic growth, job creation and stronger communities. We will continue to work hard to rebuild our province and to improve the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

2013 04 16                       4:50 p.m.