No. H 141/09
For release - October 13, 2009
HUNTER RIVER, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND — The Honourable Gail Shea, federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament for Egmont (Prince Edward Island), the Honourable Ron W. MacKinley, PEI Minister of Transportation and Public Works, and the Honourable Carolyn I. Bertram, PEI Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, today celebrated the official opening of the Hunter River portion of highway improvements along Route 2 in Prince Edward Island.
"Our government is committed to creating jobs and stimulating our economy through infrastructure projects that will bring both immediate and long-term benefits," said Minister Shea. "The reconstruction of Route 2 is the second-largest highway investment for PEI this year, and will improve the safety and flow of traffic between Charlottetown and Summerside. We are proud to be working with our provincial colleagues to improve highways for communities across PEI and throughout Canada."
"This project was necessary for the safety of both residents of Hunter River and for all users of Route 2," said Minister MacKinley. "The changes made to the intersection with Route 13, the lowering of the eastern hill, the addition of sidewalks and the safety features included in the design of the project will make this highway safer and more efficient for everyone who uses it, whether they're pedestrians, school children or drivers. The province is extremely proud of this highway improvement project."
The reconstruction project was necessary for several reasons. The grade of the eastern hill made it very difficult for drivers crossing Route 2 on Route 13 to see traffic coming from the east. The design also had to address speeding in the area and increase the safety of pedestrians.
"Hunter River is a community that continues to grow, with many young families, schools, churches, businesses and seniors' facilities," said Minister Bertram. "This project has helped to enhance both the beauty of the community and the safety for our residents. The new roadway, curbing, lighting and sidewalks will serve the residents well and lead to a more healthy, sustainable community."
The province provided the majority of the project's $3.6-million cost, contributing $2.2 million through the Capital Budget, and $800,000 from the Island Community Fund that was used for curbs and sidewalks. The Government of Canada contributed the remaining $600,000 through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund.
The section of Route 2 completed today is located in Hunter River, a rural community of approximately 350 people. The work on Veterans Memorial Highway involved total reconstruction of 1.7 kilometres of highway to improve sightlines at turning lanes and traffic calming devices meant to reduce the speed of traffic. The work also included the addition of new curbs and sidewalks.
This also concludes the Route 2 project consisting of the rehabilitation and reconstruction of sections of approximately 22 kilometres of highway between Charlottetown and Summerside.
The Route 2 project was jointly funded by the governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund. The federal government contributed $7.5 million toward the total cost of this $19.5-million project.
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