Highway Upgrades Continue into Fall
Several large road construction projects are winding down this month but there are still many big jobs to keep the province's road builders busy in the months ahead.
In northern Nova Scotia a $14,219,454 contract for the construction of four structures for the twinning of Highway 104 near Sutherlands River has started.
The newly twinned section of Highway 104 in the Pine Tree Road area of Pictou County is expected to open to traffic in the next two weeks. Tenders will also close in September for various interchanges along Highway 104 near Sutherlands River that will connect the structures already under construction.
In Cumberland County the Northport Bridge, a $5.6-million project, is scheduled to reopen to traffic by the end of January 2011 and a $3.1-million repaving job on Highway 104 was recently completed between Exits 13 and 15.
"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 a tender that will close this month for the construction of the Granite Drive Roundabout on Trunk 1 in New Minas. In Cape Breton, a $6,060,752 contract was awarded for paving and widening a section of the Cabot Trail in Victoria County. In addition, work will soon be completed on the Larry Uteck Interchange on Highway 102 near Bedford.
"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."