The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Transportation and Works:
Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to update Newfoundlanders and Labradorians about the steps our government is taking to improve highway infrastructure in our province.
In February, the Department of Transportation and Works updated its provincial roads plan that outlines road projects over the next five years.
Our approach has been praised by the Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador as a way for contractors to plan their expenditures, plan their work and keep Newfoundlanders and Labradorians working in the province.
The plan allows us to take better advantage of our short construction season through early tendering, which leads to more competitive bidding and ultimately better value for taxpayers.
Mr. Speaker, this approach to transportation infrastructure delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation, operate a more efficient public sector, and deliver better services and outcomes for residents.
I’m happy to report that tenders for 29 of the projects identified in the five-year provincial road plan have already closed, enabling contractors to hit the ground running as soon as the asphalt plants open in the coming weeks.
We’ve also taken steps to improve our summer maintenance activities. We know our municipalities have concerns about highway infrastructure in and near their communities. Earlier this week, I wrote all municipalities in the province, asking them to identify the infrastructure issues, such as potholes, guiderails and highway shoulders that are most important to them.
Mr. Speaker, we anticipate a busy road construction season ramping up in the coming weeks. While we take great pride in our provincial roads plan, we must stress that our top priority is the safety of motorists and our crews. We remind motorists to be patient and drive slowly and cautiously in all road construction zones.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.