$16.8-million Contract Awarded for Antigonish Highway

Drivers on Highway 104 near Antigonish will soon enjoy better safety and traffic flow thanks to a $16.8-million investment by the province and government of Canada.

A $16,750,533 contract, recently awarded to Dexter Construction, will complete the eight-kilometre Phase 1 section of a controlled access, 100-series highway from Addington Forks to east of Beech Hill Road.

"This project has been a major economic boost for northeastern Nova Scotia," said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks. "Its construction is creating good jobs and its completion will result in a valuable upgrade for drivers in the area."

"Highway 104 is a vital link in the Trans-Canada Highway system, and this project will improve safety, ease congestion and cut travel time for drivers," said Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. "Our government is proud to invest in infrastructure projects that create jobs and economic growth, and lay the foundation for a bright and prosperous future in Canada."

Construction of Phase 1 began in 2009 and has a total estimated cost of about $82 million. The government of Canada is contributing up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $25 million, through the Building Canada Fund. The province is providing the remainder as part of its 5-Year Highway program.