Transportation and Works
December 30, 2014
Maintaining Safe and Reliable Transportation Infrastructures
Significant Improvements Made to Bridges, Roads and Highways in 2014
This year marked a busy and successful time for improvements to provincial transportation infrastructure with the rehabilitation of roads and highways and the replacement of bridges. These positive initiatives were supported by the early release of major tenders and the largest ever investment in road work through Budget 2014.
“Our government’s commitment to maintaining a transportation system that is safe, reliable and efficient has never been stronger. In 2014 alone, we awarded $194 million in road work contracts – $82 million of which is being spent on the Trans Labrador Highway – which has improved the quality of life of residents throughout the province. Socially and economically, these projects are having positive effects on our province.”
- The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works
Investments made in 2014 resulted in the upgrading and improvement of approximately 500 kilometres of provincial roads, as well as the rehabilitation of 16 bridges and the replacement of seven bridges. Larger multi-year projects were also priorities this year, such as the Bay d’Espoir Highway, Fleur de Lys and La Scie Highways, Route 500 in Labrador West, Southeast Placentia Road and roads in the Trinity-Bay de Verde area.
In Labrador, more than 130 kilometres of highway were upgraded and contracts are already in place for more than 90 kilometres of paving for next year. The Department of Transportation and Works will soon be issuing a tender for another 80 kilometres of paving from Red Bay towards Lodge Bay.
“Strong and reliable transportation linkages create benefits for residents and businesses and, as a government, we will continue to build on the success of this year’s initiatives to further create new social and economic activities in rural and urban communities.”
- Minister Brazil
Road upgrades and maintenance will continue on the close to 10,000 kilometres of provincial roads and highways which will support the safety of the travelling public and reliability of the province’s transportation network.
QUICK FACTS
- $194 million was invested in road work in 2014, marking one of the largest such investments in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history.
- $82 million is being spent directly on the Trans Labrador Highway.
- Major multi-year projects prioritized in 2014 included: Bay d’Espoir Highway, Fleur de Lys and La Scie Highways, Route 500 in Labrador West, Southeast Placentia Road and roads in the Trinity-Bay de Verde area.
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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
2014 12 30 2:20 p.m.