Highway Upgrades Continue in Western Nova Scotia

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

In western Nova Scotia, a $2,521,600 tender for the construction of the Granite Drive Roundabout on Trunk 1 in New Minas was awarded Sept. 9. It will be completed by the end of the year. Work is continuing on a new $4,865,073 interchange for Hectanooga Road in Digby, scheduled for completion by the end of October.

The latest twinned section of Highway 101 also opened on July 29.

"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 a newly twinned section of Highway 104 in the Pine Tree Road area of Pictou County that opened on Sept. 2. In Cape Breton a $6,060,752 contract was awarded for paving and widening a section of the Cabot Trail. In Halifax Regional Municipality a $16,684,000 tender was awarded for the construction of the Margeson Drive Interchange on Highway 102.

"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."