Highway Upgrades Continue in Central Nova Scotia

Several large road construction projects are winding down this month but there are still many big jobs keeping the province's road builders busy in the months ahead.

In Halifax Regional Municipality, a $16,684,000 tender was awarded for the construction of the Margeson Drive Interchange that will connect the new overpass over Highway 101 to Trunk 1 in Sackville. The project includes three roundabouts and is similar in scope to the Highway 102/Larry Uteck Interchange that will open this fall.

Further along Highway 102, work is continuing on a new $4,823,114 overpass to replace the existing interchange at Milford. It is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

"By working closely with our funding partners and the roadbuilding industry we're creating good jobs for Nova Scotians and keeping the economy rolling," said Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "This co-operative approach is paying benefits across the province."

According to the Nova Scotia Road Builders Association, a typical $2-million paving contract generates 60 direct jobs and about $200,000 worth of business for the trucking industry and significant spin-off expenditures for local businesses.

This year's $310-million capital construction budget is the second largest in the province's history after a record $325-million investment in highway infrastructure in 2009.

Work in other areas of the province includes the latest twinned section of Highway 101 that opened July 29 and the newly twinned section of Highway 104 in the Pine Tree Road area of Pictou County, that opened to traffic on Sept. 2. In Cape Breton, a $6,060,752 contract was awarded for paving and widening a section of the Cabot Trail in Victoria County, and a $4,758,905 contract was awarded to complete the twinning of Highway 125 near Sydney.

"We appreciate the efforts of the construction industry and the patience of Nova Scotia drivers as these projects continue," said Mr. Estabrooks. "These jobs are vital to Nova Scotia's well-being."