Transportation and Works
March 2, 2017

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Transportation and Works:

Government Brings Innovation to Road Work

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Transportation and Works is focused on finding innovative ways to develop and improve vital road infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This week, the Department of Transportation and Works issued a tender for an asphalt testing pilot project that will examine what asphalt specification is best suited for our climate and environment.

As part of this project, 4.7 kilometres of the Trans-Canada Highway between Foxtrap and Holyrood will be paved with four different mixes of asphalt. These four sections will then be annually monitored to determine which specification is the best for our environment and road conditions.

This is an innovative approach to future road infrastructure and something that has not been done before in the history of our province.

We are all well aware of issues with rutting and the same areas having to undergo repairs year after year. This is not an effective use of taxpayers’ dollars.

Mr. Speaker, finding the best asphalt specification is a much better way to spend the public’s money.

Working with the Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, this asphalt testing project will be evidence-based and share the vision of The Way Forward, enabling us to do more with less, improve outcomes, be more efficient, and provide better value for the money we spend.

Our government looks forward to seeing the results of this project and to finding even more ways we can provide better long-term outcomes for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

2017 03 02                              1:50 p.m.