Transportation and Works
July 6, 2015
Building Infrastructure to Support Residents
Provincial Government Awards Tender for Bell Island Wharf Upgrades
A tender has been awarded to Coady Construction & Excavating Limited for improvements to the wharf at Bell Island. Just over $3 million is being allocated to prepare the wharf for the arrival of the new 80-metre ice class ferry, the MV Legionnaire in February 2016.
“In total, government is investing close to $7 million to ensure the wharves at Bell Island and Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s are ready for the arrival of the MV Legionnaire. In addition to modifications to the wharf and the construction of a ramp for rolling vehicles on and off the ferry, the work will result in additional parking on the breakwater of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s. This is an important project for residents of Bell Island and we will work with the contractor during the construction period to reduce the impact for travellers as much as possible.”
- The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works
Work on the Bell Island wharf will get underway this construction season and will be completed for the arrival of the MV Legionnaire in February 2016. Accommodations are being made to compensate for the loss of some parking spaces during the construction work. While there may be some inconvenience to travellers, Transportation and Works appreciates the patience and cooperation of ferry users and will work with travellers to minimize any impacts.
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
- A tender valued at just over $3 million has been awarded for improvements to the wharf at Bell Island.
- In total, the Provincial Government is investing close to $7 million to ensure the wharves at both Bell Island and Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s are ready for the arrival of the new 80-metre ice class ferry, the MV Legionnaire.
- The Provincial Government is investing $13.1 million through Budget 2015 for renovations to wharf infrastructure to accommodate two new ferries for Bell Island and Fogo Island-Change Islands.
- Enhancements are also being made to the wharves at Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Rencontre East.
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Media contact:
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Jacquelyn Howard Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 689-2624 jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca |
2015 07 06 11:05 a.m.