With the arrival of the Labour Day long weekend and the overall increase in traffic into the busy fall season, motorists are advised to slow down and drive cautiously in construction zones and be vigilant in watching for moose.
Motorists should:
- Check www.roads.gov.nl.ca for construction slowdowns along their planned routes before heading out;
- Be prepared to encounter delays in areas where work is ongoing; and
- Always approach construction zones with caution, obey signs and watch for crews working.
Motorists are reminded that even when there are no workers on site, signs are left up to warn of sections where pavement has been removed. These sections can be dangerous at full highway speeds.
As of Friday, August 31, motorists can expect to encounter construction zones along a number of high-traffic routes throughout the province, including:
Route 1 – Trans-Canada Highway throughout the province (near Whitbourne, Bishop’s Falls, George’s Lake, and Bald Mountain Brook Bridge to North Branch Brook Bridge) Route 2 – Pitts Memorial Drive and Peacekeepers Way Route 70 – Conception Bay North Highway Route 75 – Veterans Memorial Highway Route 210/220 – Burin Peninsula Highway Route 370 – Buchans Highway Route 430 – Northern Peninsula Highway Route 470 – La Poile Highway Route 510 – Trans-Labrador Highway
While moose-vehicle collisions can happen year-round, most occur between May and October. In 2017, there were 112 moose-vehicle collisions in Newfoundland and Labrador. To avoid moose collisions, motorists should:
- Scan both sides of the highway when travelling;
- Pay close attention to warning signs;
- Avoid driving at dusk and dawn when moose are more common alongside highways;
- Have passengers also watch for moose; and
- Avoid travelling at night when moose are more difficult to see.
Motorists are encouraged to report all moose sightings and accidents by calling 1-855-896-6673 (1-855-89-MOOSE).
Quote
“With the Labour Day weekend upon us and traffic volumes increasing into the fall season, we’d like to remind everyone to slow down and drive to conditions. When you encounter a construction zone, drive cautiously and watch for crews and signage. And while high-risk areas along provincial roadways are marked with warning signs and cleared of roadside brush, always expect to encounter moose anywhere on our roads. Our government will continue to work to enhance road safety for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Transportation and Works
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Learn more
Contracts Awarded for Highway Construction Cameras
Minister Crocker Highlights Road Safety Plans
Update Provided on Road Work for 2018 Construction Season
Media contact
Rod Drover
Transportation and Works
709-729-1758, 730-4607
rodneycdrover@gov.nl.ca