News Release Archive
TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNICATIONS--HIGHWAY 104 TOLLS RESPONSE
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People with disabilities should not be affected by tolls on
the new Highway 104 Western Alignment, Transportation and
Communications Minster Richie Mann said today.
"Only non-local truck traffic will be required to use the
toll road, so anyone travelling in a car or an ambulance
will be able to travel on the existing road," said Mr. Mann.
"The League for Equal Opportunities has obviously been
misinformed on the intent and the impact of the toll."
The minister noted that the construction of the new Western
Alignment, in a two-year time frame, would significantly
improve the safety of the existing road by relieving the
congestion and by removing the large number of trucks.
"Right now, the safety concerns on Highway 104 are related
to the mix of high speed, through and truck traffic with the
slower local traffic. This situation will not exist with the
opening of the new road," he said.
Mr. Mann said that staff from his department would have been
available to explain the implications of the toll road if
the League had called or written seeking information.
The Western Alignment will be constructed through a
public-private partnership over a 20 month construction schedule.
The expedited construction is possible because of the
private participation in the financing of the road.
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Contact: Donna McCready 902-424-8687
jlw Feb. 05, 1996 5:30 p.m.