Phase 2 of Highway 104 Twinning Kicks Off

With work starting on the next phase of Highway 104 twinning near Antigonish, Nova Scotia motorists can look forward to fewer traffic jams and safer travel.

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Maurice Smith, and Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay marked the official start of Phase 2 of the Highway 104 twinning project today, Aug. 31, with a sod-turning ceremony near Antigonish.

The project will complete eight kilometres of a new four-lane highway (two lanes in each direction) between Beech Hill Road and Taylor Road near the town of Antigonish.

"This valuable addition to Nova Scotia's 100-series highway system will improve the quality of life for families in the Antigonish area by reducing traffic tie ups and making travel safer," said Mr. Smith. "This highway work, as part of Nova Scotia's 5-Year Road Plan, will continue to create good jobs and grow the economy."

Nova Scotia's 5-Year Road Plan allows the province to fix more roads, reach more communities, and work more effectively with partners.

"The government of Canada 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," said Mr. MacKay. "Highway 104 is a vital link in the Trans-Canada Highway system. This multi-million-dollar investment will improve safety, ease congestion and cut travel time for drivers."

Total costs of the second phase are estimated at $88.3-million. The government of Canada is contributing up to $30-million for this phase. The province is providing the remaining funding. Phase 2 will be completed in the fall of 2015.

Phase 1 is expected to be completed this fall. It includes eight kilometres of four-lane divided highway from west of Addington Forks Road to just east of Beech Hill Road. The total cost of Phase 1 is estimated at $74.9 million.