Significant Transportation Investments Support a Vibrant Economy

New Road Construction Pending for Stephenville and Port au Port Peninsula

Construction will soon begin on a major new by-pass road and several road rehabilitation projects in the Stephenville and surrounding area under the Provincial Road Improvement Program. This significant investment in the region’s transportation infrastructure is part of a Budget 2014 commitment that is one of the largest ever investments in road work.

“Well-developed transportation infrastructure is a critical element in communities and regions. Through our significant investment in the Provincial Road Improvement Program and our decision to start the tendering process earlier in the year, we are contributing to the growth and prosperity of communities and regions.”
- The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Transportation and Works

The construction of the Noel’s Pond By-Pass, which was announced today by Minister McGrath while speaking at a Bay St. George Chamber of Commerce luncheon, will begin this year and extend two construction seasons. The by-pass involves the re-alignment of Route 460 from Gull Pond to Route 490 and encompasses approximately six kilometres.

Repairs and upgrading of roads also incorporated in a soon-to-be-released tender include repairs to asphalt joints on the Trans Canada Highway from Bald Mountain Brook to North Branch, repaving of Route 460 near Blanche Brook, and upgrading of Route 460 at Red Brook, Marches Point and Rouzes Brook to Cornect’s Brook.

“Our government continues to invest heavily in highway infrastructure and I am very pleased that construction will soon begin on the new Noel’s Pond Bypass. This new road will bypass the flood risk area and improve safety significantly for motorists.”
- The Honourable Joan Shea, Minister of Environment and Conservation and MHA for St. George’s – Stephenville East

Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook allocates more than $81 million for upgrades and enhancements to the provincial highways, roads, and bridges which includes $30 million that was announced January 2014, to ensure an early start to road work construction and full utilization of the construction season.

“I’m very pleased to see that construction will soon get underway to upgrade these roads and highways on our region. As the transportation system is strengthened, travelling our region is easier and more enjoyable, benefiting residents, commercial and recreational travellers.”
- Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• Construction will soon begin on a major new by-pass road in Stephenville and road rehabilitation initiatives will be undertaken in Stephenville and surrounding area this year under the Provincial Road Improvement Program.
• Budget 2014 allocates more than $81 million for upgrades and enhancements to the provincial highways, roads, and bridges which includes $30 million that was announced January 2014, to ensure an early start to road work construction and full utilization of the construction season.
• Since 2004, more than $1.6 billion has been invested to upgrade more than 25 per cent (2,800 kilometres) of total roads and highways in the province.

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2014 03 28             1:40 p.m.