Motorists travelling on the Trans-Canada Highway in central Newfoundland now benefit from a number of safety upgrades to highway infrastructure near the Exploits River. The completion of safer, upgraded approaches to the new Sir Robert Bond Bridge marks the end of the final phase of the federal-provincial cost-shared bridge replacement project.

The Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour and MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans, was joined by Jerry Dean, MHA for Exploits, to announce completion of the project today.

The full scope of the Sir Robert Bond Bridge replacement project included the reconfiguration of the Botwood interchange and the east and west approaches to the bridge, as well as demolition and removal of the former bridge and an upgraded underpass for the nearby Newfoundland T’Railway. Motorists now encounter a more familiar and universal diamond interchange and approach the bridge along a flatter, straighter portion of road, which allows for increased visibility and safety, especially in inclement weather.

The project also resulted in the relocation of the Route 351 intersection with the Trans-Canada Highway to a safer location further from the bridge. The new bridge first opened to traffic in October of 2017.

The project was completed in partnership with the Government of Canada through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund and represents a total shared investment of approximately $22.5 million.

For updates on active road work and construction slow downs, visit www.roads.gov.nl.ca.

Quotes
“We are proud to conclude this significant project for the benefit of residents in the central region and all motorists who travel the Trans-Canada Highway across our province. While motorists in this area will benefit from safer upgraded highway infrastructure, we continue to urge safe and responsible driving as well. We are continuing to work with law enforcement to ensure motorists are slowing down and driving to conditions to keep everyone on our roads safe.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Transportation and Works

“The Government of Canada recognizes that strategic investments in transportation infrastructure help improve safety and traffic flow along Canada’s vital highways and corridors. The completion of the Sir Robert Bond Bridge, with improved interchange and approach, better connects communities in central Newfoundland, and enables residents and visitors to cross the Exploits River quickly and safely.”
Scott Simms
Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“The safety of our highways is of utmost importance for our government. I am extremely pleased to see this project come to fruition as many people from the district of Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans travel along the Trans-Canada Highway on a regular basis. The completion of the new highway infrastructure and Sir Robert Bond Bridge means motorists across our province are now provided with a greater service which results in safer roadways.”
Honourable Al Hawkins
Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour and MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans

“I wish to express my pleasure upon the completion of the federally and provincially funded replacement of the historic Sir Robert Bond Bridge. This occasion is of extraordinary significance to the district of Exploits. It provides an improved, safer, attractive and progressive thoroughfare in central Newfoundland to accommodate traffic from all regions of the province. It is a major element in the province’s plan for highway improvement.”
Jerry Dean
MHA for Exploits

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Minister Crocker Celebrates Opening of New Sir Robert Bond Bridge

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Media contacts
Rod Drover
Transportation and Works
709-729-1758, 730-4607
rodneycdrover@gov.nl.ca

Ann-Clara Vaillancourt
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
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ann-clara.vaillancourt@canada.ca

Erin Sulley
Government Members Office
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erinsulley@gov.nl.ca