Highway Upgrades Continue in Eastern Nova Scotia

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

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.

Work is also continuing on several large projects including the twinning of Highway 104 in the Antigonish area, an $84.8 million project scheduled for completion in fall 2012, and the replacement of the Little Bras D'Or Bridge near Baddeck, a $10,205,847 project to be completed in 2011.

"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 a newly twinned section of Highway 104 in the Pine Tree Road area of Pictou County, expected to open in the next few weeks. 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."