Barrington Bypass Completed

A good thing has come to drivers in Shelburne County in the shape of a new 8.3-kilometre section of Highway 103, commonly referred to as the Barrington Bypass.

Premier Rodney MacDonald and Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, announced the completion of the $20.6-million road project today, Dec. 21.

"A smooth-running transportation system is key to the economic well being of Nova Scotia," said Premier MacDonald. "This is part of our government's ongoing commitment to repave 2000 kilometres of roads that will allow people and products to travel safely and efficiently."

The new two-lane, controlled-access highway is now open to traffic. The highway has a speed limit of 100 km/h.

"The new bypass will shift a lot of heavy vehicle traffic from the communities around Barrington," said Mr. MacIsaac. "It will make for safer travel for area residents."

There were five prime contractors on the project, which includes an overpass and two bridges. It extends from the existing Highway 103 east of Barrington to the existing Highway 103 west of Oak Park, running north of Oak Park, Riverhead, Barrington Head and Barrington.