Executive Council
Transportation and Works
September 23, 2016
Supporting Transportation Infrastructure and Economic Growth
New Sir Ambrose Shea Lift Bridge in Placentia Officially Opens
The new Sir Ambrose Shea Lift Bridge was officially opened today in a ceremony marking the first crossing of vehicles and vessels.
The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, joined with the Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Transportation and Works, the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, and MHA for Placentia – St. Mary's, Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, along with His Worship, Wayne Power, Mayor of Placentia, and members of the community, to officially recognize the opening.
"I am pleased to be in Placentia today to officially open the new lift bridge, which is a key investment in the economy of this region and is essential to this historic community. This bridge physically connects neighbours and families, provides access to a safe harbour for fishermen and boaters and supports tourism in the region. This is an important day for residents and businesses in Placentia." - The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
The lift bridge is staffed year round, 24-hours a day. The bridge is lifted approximately 2,400 times annually for marine traffic and sees about 6,500 vehicles pass over per day. During the busiest spring months when crab and lobster fisheries are at their peak, the bridge can lift over 400 times a month.
"It is an honour to join the residents of Placentia today as we open the lift bridge. The bridge is of tremendous importance to those who live and work in the town, bringing greater reliability to residents, businesses and the area's fishing community. This is an important investment in this community and the region's future." - The Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Transportation and Works
The new Sir Ambrose Shea Lift Bridge cost approximately $47.7 million, which includes construction, engineering and demolition and removal of the old bridge, which will commence in the coming weeks. The construction of the bridge saw the placement of 9,200 metres of steel piling, 3,800 cubic metres of concrete, 150 tonnes of reinforcing steel and approximately 976 tonnes of structural steel.
"Infrastructure is integral to the overall well-being of a community, and I am most pleased to be part of the opening of the new lift bridge. As the MHA for the area, I know first-hand the importance of the bridge from the economic and social perspectives, and this marks a great day for Placentia." - The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and MHA for Placentia - St. Mary's
As a part of the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund, $8 million was provided by the Government of Canada for the construction of the bridge.
"The Government of Canada is working in close partnership with Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure we make smart infrastructure investments that help grow the middle class and promote regional development. By supporting the replacement of this vital marine and vehicle crossing, we have helped improve key connections among local communities and ensure that one of the province's most important waterways to inland harbours remains functional for years to come." - Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
The original Sir Ambrose Shea Lift Bridge was opened in 1961 and was the only lift bridge in the province. It was designed to allow fishing boats to enter and leave Placentia gut, while allowing vehicles to drive directly between Jerseyside and Placentia for the first time. Fifty-five years later, the new lift bridge is still the only one of its kind in the province.
"Today is a significant day for the residents of the Town of Placentia as we welcome and officially open a new structure that will serve as an important piece of the transportation network in our community. The Sir Ambrose Shea Lift Bridge provides a vital link for our communities; it also allows access to the harbour and serves as a unique attraction for visitors. The opening of the new bridge is a great milestone and as a community we are thankful for the investment made to make this a reality." - Wayne Power, Mayor of Placentia
The new lift bridge is one of more than 1,350 bridges throughout the provincial highway system that are maintained by the Department of Transportation and Works.
QUICK FACTS
- The new Sir Ambrose Shea Lift Bridge in Placentia was officially opened today with the passing of the first vehicles and vessels.
- The lift bridge sees about 6,500 vehicles pass over per day and is lifted approximately 2,400 times a year.
- The new Sir Ambrose Shea Lift Bridge cost approximately $47.7 million, which includes construction, engineering and demolition and removal of the old bridge.
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Media contacts:
Michelle Cannizzaro Media Relations Manager Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca |
Blair Medd Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 631-8465 blairmedd@gov.nl.ca |
Frankie Nash Constituency Assistant Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh MHA for Placentia - St. Mary's 709-227-1304 francesnash@gov.nl.ca |
Anna Griffiths Senior Communications Advisor Infrastructure Canada 613-960-5662 anna.griffiths@canada.ca |
Debra Gear Executive Assistant Town of Placentia 709-227 2151, ext. 229 dgear@placentia.ca |
2016 09 23 10:35 a.m.