News Release Archive
TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--HIGHWAY 103 TWINNING PROJECT
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A five-year plan to twin Highway 103 between Halifax and Upper
Tantallon will provide commuters with safer, more reliable and
less congested travel, said Don Downe, minister of transportation
and public works.
Mr. Downe said today the first phase of the $22-million project
will begin this summer with the repaving of the existing roadway
and upgrading of the Beechville interchange.
"This is part of an important long-term strategy to provide Nova
Scotians with safe and quick passage through a vital highway
corridor handling 30 per cent more traffic in the last five
years," said Mr. Downe.
"Our commitment to this project further endorses the idea of our
highway infrastructure as a major driver in the provincial
economy, providing a first-class connection between rural Nova
Scotia and Atlantic Canada's largest business centre."
The first phase will be carried out this year at a cost of $2
million. It will upgrade and widen lanes between Highway 102 and
Exit 2 at Beechville. Plans include widening the railway overpass
structure and adding an additional land to extend the Beechville
interchange on ramp, northbound to the Highway 102 exit ramp. A
raised median barrier will also be installed. Also this year,
crews will begin clearing rights-of-way for future work.
About $5 million per year for the next four years will fund
future phases of the development.
"There is no doubt in anybody's mind this road needs work. We got
the message," said Mr. Downe. "When a road as vital as this needs
work, I'll make sure it gets done."
Another project calls for $2.1 million to be spent to resurface
the 18 kilometres between Beechville and Upper Tantallon. The
paving is expected to be completed by the fall.
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Contact: Chris Welner
Transportation and Public Works
902-424-8687
NOTE TO EDITORS: A fact sheet and map on this project is
available by calling 1-800-670-4357 or 902-424-4492.
trp Apr. 16, 1997 - 12:30 p.m.
