Transportation and Works
August 28, 2015

Strengthening Road Infrastructure

Roads in the Exploits Valley Region Receive Upgrades

Through an investment of approximately $825,000 under the 2015-16 Provincial Roads Program, a number of roads in the District of Exploits will receive upgrades and improvements this construction season. The contract for this work was awarded to J-1 Contracting Limited of Clarenville in late July, and work is currently underway.

�The Provincial Roads Program provides important strategic investments in transportation infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Today�s investment of approximately $825,000 will support rehabilitation work on five kilometres of roads for the benefit of residents, visitors and businesses in the Exploits Valley region. We look forward to the completion of this and many other similar projects being undertaken this construction season. High quality transportation infrastructure is integral to the social and economic growth of Newfoundland and Labrador, which are key elements of the recently launched Population Growth Strategy.�
- The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works

The contract will see the rehabilitation of 3.5 kilometres of Route 350 at Western Arm, asphalt leveling of 0.5 kilometres of Route 350-21 at various areas on Glovers Harbour Road, and asphalt leveling of one kilometre of Route 352, Fortune Harbour Road.

�This investment is part of the Provincial Government�s ongoing efforts to improve the driving and safety conditions of the roadways in the district of Exploits and around the province. Area residents and visitors to this picturesque region will now benefit from a smoother, safer ride.�
- Clayton Forsey, MHA for Exploits

This roadwork complements other investments already made in the Exploits Valley region, including the construction of the New Sir Robert Bond Bridge spanning the Exploits River. The new bridge is being cost-shared between the provincial and federal governments at an approximate cost of $22.4 million. Over $2 million has already been spent on site work and other preparations, and the construction phase officially began last month.

Budget 2015 allocates more than $204 million for upgrades and enhancements to provincial highways, roads, and bridges. This is part of over $660 million being invested this year in schools, roads, health care facilities and municipal infrastructure.

QUICK FACTS:

• A contract valued at approximately $825,000 under the 2015-16 Provincial Roads Program has been awarded to J-1 Contracting Limited of Clarenville for road improvements in the District of Exploits.
• The contract will see the rehabilitation of 3.5 kilometres of Route 350 at Western Arm, asphalt leveling of 0.5 kilometres of Route 350-21 at various areas on Glovers Harbour Road, and asphalt leveling of one kilometre of Route 352, Fortune Harbour Road.
• Over the past three years, more than $400 million has helped maintain, upgrade and enhance hundreds of kilometres of roads, as well as replace 23 bridges and repair 40 other bridges throughout the province.
• High quality transportation infrastructure is integral to the social and economic growth of Newfoundland and Labrador, which are key elements of the recently launched Population Growth Strategy. For more information on the strategy visit //homeforgoodnl.ca .

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Media contacts:

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

Melanie Mercer Constituency Assistant to Clayton Forsey MHA for Exploits 709-258-2519 melaniemercer@gov.nl.ca

2015 08 28                              11:45 a.m.