Government of Canada and Government of Newfoundland and Labrador partner to fund highway rehabilitation

ST. JOHN'S, Aug. 11 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Jean-C. Lapierre, Minister of Transport, along with the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable John Godfrey, Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities), and the Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced a joint contribution of up to $48 million for the rehabilitation and restoration of highway infrastructure and bridges along Route 1 of the Trans-Canada Highway. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will contribute an additional $5.6 million for project design and contract administration.

"This investment, to be made through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, demonstrates both governments' determination to improve strategic transportation routes in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Lapierre.

"This investment is part of our New Deal for Cities and Communities - recognizing the distinct needs of Canada's diverse regions and working in partnership to address them," said Minister Efford on behalf of Minister Godfrey. "Cooperation between the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on priority issues such as the Trans-Canada Highway will ensure both residents and visitors alike can travel safely and efficiently across the province."

The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador have each committed to provide up to $24 million to the Newfoundland and Labrador Highway Improvement and Rehabilitation project construction costs.

"This certainly comes as welcome news for the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as all tourists and visitors to our province," said Minister Rideout. "This marks a huge investment into addressing the major
infrastructure issues that currently face the Trans-Canada Highway throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Our residents have expressed their concerns, and the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have heard them. I am delighted that both levels of government are working together to make these
projects a reality. Our government is pleased to contribute $29.6 million to this project, which includes $5.6 million for project design and contract administration. When these projects are complete, all travelers on the
Trans-Canada Highway throughout the province will notice a tremendous increase in the quality of their driving experience."

The Trans-Canada Highway is Newfoundland's primary highway, connecting Port Aux Basques in the west to St. John's in the east and Argentia in the south. Port Aux Basques, the main year-round port, is the major entry point for passengers and goods to the island from the mainland. Argentia is another key port for the island. As the primary link to St. John's, the Trans-Canada Highway supports tourism and trade and represents a vital link for the transportation of billions of dollars in economic activity both to and from the province.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to making strategic investments to projects that will improve road safety, protect and strengthen local jobs and growth and build safe and strong communities.

The Government of Canada's contribution will come from the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund. Under this program, it works with provinces, territories and municipal governments, as well as the private sector, to meet
strategic infrastructure needs throughout the country. The federal and provincial governments will continue to work together to develop a formal contribution agreement, which will outline the funding details more precisely
and allow eligible project costs to be reimbursed. Financial support is conditional on meeting applicable federal and provincial requirements, including the successful completion of environmental assessments and detailed engineering design.

This announcement builds on investments under the Government of Canada's New Deal for Cities and Communities, which includes: the Goods and Services Tax rebate of $7 billion over 10 years; $5 billion over five years in gas tax funding across Canada; and up to $800 million over two years for public transit. The New Deal promotes the economic, social, environmental and cultural sustainability of Canada's communities.

See attached backgrounder for further information.

Backgrounder
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NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR HIGHWAY
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Historically, the Government of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have collaborated on a number of highway improvement projects and have undertaken extensive initiatives of the National Highway System within the province.

Investments made under such programs as the Federal-Provincial Highway Improvement Agreement, the Trans-Canada Highway Agreement /Newfoundland Transportation Initiative Agreement, the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program and the Atlantic Freight Transportation Initiative have helped improve highway strength, capacity and safety parameters of the National Highway System within Newfoundland and Labrador.

In the late 1970s to early 1980s, many sections of the Trans-Canada Highway were upgraded and paved, however, over time highway conditions have deteriorated causing significant asphalt damage and water accumulation due to wheel rutting. Many of the existing culverts, highway signage and guide rails are at the end of their design life and require replacement. Rehabilitation is essential to maintain a safe and efficient highway system, which is crucial for the movement of people and goods across the province.

The project will see sections of the Trans-Canada Highway and various bridges rebuilt or restored, with ongoing maintenance work on the highway remaining the responsibility of the province.

Work is proposed for several sections of the Trans-Canada Highway,
Route 1 and many bridges, including sections between:

- Manuel's Interchange and Thomas' Pond
- Terra Nova National Park West Boundary and Gambo Interchange
- Corner Brook Industrial Access Road and Southwest Bog
- Sir Robert Bond Bridge and Grand Falls-Windsor Industrial Access
- Clarenville and Port Blandford
- Holyrood Interchange and Salmonier Line Interchange
- Gander and Glenwood
- Argentia Access Road to Chance Cove Intersection
- Howley Intersection towards Deer Lake
- Crabbes River and North Branch River
- Diamond Interchange at Little Rapids
- Miscellaneous bridge rehabilitation
- Replace Junction Brook Bridge
- Replace Flat Bay Brook Bridge
- Replace River Brook Bridge and incidental realignments
- Replace retaining wall near Shellbird Island

For further information: Contacts: Carla Ventin, Director of
Communications, Office of Minister Godfrey, Infrastructure Canada,
(613) 948-2688; www.infrastructure.gc.ca; Irène Marcheterre, Director of
Communications, Office of Minister Lapierre, Transport Canada, (613) 991-0700;
www.tc.gc.ca; Lori Lee Oates, Director of Communications, Transportation and
Works, Newfoundland and Labrador, (709) 729-3015; http://www.tw.gov.nl.ca

Publishers Comments: "The infrastructure improvements will make for easier travel for travellers and tourists, travelling the Trans Canada Highway" R. Taylor

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