Transportation and Works
June 25, 2015

Building Infrastructure to Support Residents

Work to Improve Bell Island Wharf Progresses with Tender Close

The tender for enhancements to the Bell Island wharf has closed. Improvements to the wharf are being made in preparation for the arrival of the new 80-metre ice class ferry, the MV Legionnaire in February 2016.

“In preparation for the arrival of the MV Legionnaire and the MV Veteran, our government is investing $13.1 million through Budget 2015 for renovations to wharf infrastructure to accommodate the new ferries for Bell Island and Fogo Island-Change Islands. The residents of Bell Island and visitors will benefit for years to come from these upgrades to the wharf, including extra parking on the breakwater which will be available after the enhancements are concluded. I would like to acknowledge that some ferry users may be inconvenienced by the ongoing work and to assure everyone that we have been working with the contractor to minimize any impacts to travellers.”
- The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works

Work will include modifications to the wharf and the construction of a ramp for rolling vehicles on and off the ferry. A tender was just awarded, valued at $3.8 million, for similar wharf upgrades at Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s which are also required to accommodate the new dimensions of the MV Legionnaire.

Significant progress has been made in the renewal and modernization of the provincial ferry fleet with two new ferries already delivering service. Annually, the provincial fleet of ferries transports more than 900,000 passengers, 400,000 vehicles, and 20,000 tonnes of freight across more than 50,000 arrivals and departures.

QUICK FACTS

• The tender has closed for upgrades to the wharf on Bell Island to accommodate the new ferry, the MV Legionnaire, scheduled to arrive in February 2016.
• The tender is for modifications to the wharf and construction of a ramp for moving vehicles on and off the ferry.
• Annually, the provincial fleet of ferries transports more than 900,000 passengers, 400,000 vehicles, and 20,000 tonnes of freight across more than 50,000 arrivals and departures.

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Media contact:

Jacquelyn Howard Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 689-2624 JacquelynHoward@gov.nl.ca

2015 06 25                            11:45 a.m.