No. H181/06For release
December 15, 2006
ST. JOHN'S − The completion of seven highway infrastructure projects along
the Newfoundland and Labrador Trans-Canada Highway was announced today by the
Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and
Communities, together with the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of
Transportation and Works and Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs.
"Canada's New Government is determined to deliver results in transportation
for Canadians," said Minister Cannon. "These investments will give a boost to
the local economy. These improvements will also contribute to increased road
safety for residents and travellers."
"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador always welcomes this essential
funding that enables the province to maintain our vital transportation networks,
" said Minister Hickey.
These highway projects were funded under the Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador
Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program, which has provided joint funding for
highway improvement projects along the National Highway System in Newfoundland
and Labrador. The total value of the highway construction component was $23
million, of which the federal government contributed over $11 million.
The seven roadway projects funded through the Strategic Highway
Infrastructure Program cover a variety of improvements to enhance safety,
traffic flow and capacity on the National Highway System. These projects
include:
Trans-Canada Highway, Route 1: construction of the Deer Lake Overpass;
Long Harbour Interchange: removal of the existing super-structure and
replacement with two span super-structures;
Port aux Basques Overpass: construction of an overpass structure and ramps;
Penstock Bridge: construction of a concrete structure and approaches, the
reconstruction of 41 kilometres of Trans-Canada Highway from Chance Cove
intersection to Goobies, and the replacement of the South Branch River Bridge,
including the realignment of approximately
1.5 kilometres of the Trans-Canada Highway;
Trans-Canada Highway near Norris Arm: replacement of Rattling Brook (Penstock)
Bridge; and
Trans-Canada Highway: reconstruction of 19.5 kilometres from Flat Bay to
Fischell's River Bridge.
In Budget 2006, Canada's New Government committed an unprecedented $16.5 billion
over the next four years for provincial, territorial and municipal
infrastructure, including $2.4 billion over the next five years from the
Highways and Border Infrastructure Fund.
Discussions are ongoing between the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and
Labrador to finalize details of how these investments can be directed to benefit
their transportation infrastructure.
For more information on the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program, please
visit www.tc.gc.ca/SHIP/menu.htm.
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Contacts:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
David Salter
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works,
Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-3015
Danny Kingsberry
Communications
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at
apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
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