News release

Mobile Asphalt Plant Delayed, But All Scheduled Road Work Will be Completed

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

The start-up of the province's mobile asphalt plant will not begin as soon as expected, however, the province will still complete all road work scheduled for this year.

"I was disappointed to learn that there is a delay in our plans to start using the mobile asphalt plant. Equipment delivery from the company we're working with was not as timely as promised," said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Maurice Smith.

This will mean a delay in the start of road work in Victoria County.

"I appreciate what this means to the residents of Victoria County, who were expecting paving work to start sooner," said Mr. Smith. "However, they can be assured all the work planned by the province for Victoria County will be completed this paving season. And all roads scheduled for this year in the 5-Year Highway Improvement Plan will be paved this year."

In the meantime, the province's chip seal operation, which saved $2 million last year, continues to operate this year, generating more savings to be reinvested in road work. The in-house chip seal work introduced competition to the industry to maximize taxpayer dollars. In previous years, the province was paying private industry $91,000 per kilometre of double chip seal.

In 2011, the province paid $40,000 per kilometre for tendered work. If the province had not started its own in-house crew, there would be no increased competition -- no reason for industry to start reducing their prices. Taxpayers would still be paying top dollar.

The mobile asphalt plant was expected to be in operation by June 30 with the goal to pave 90 kilometres of road this season, starting with work scheduled for Victoria County.

"Between the work that is contracted to the private sector and the province's in-house paving crews, the work will be done," said Mr. Smith.

The province's chief highway engineer is keeping in daily contact with the company providing the plant to ensure the mobile asphalt plant will be in operation as soon as possible.

Since 2009, more than $1 billion has been invested in paving and repaving roads and highways across the province. It is record-breaking. The investment is generating jobs, helping to support economies and keeping our roads and highways safe.