Minister Tours Colchester Roads

Transportation and Public Works Minister Clifford Huskilson was in Colchester County today for a tour of rural roads and to meet with the Truro town council about local bridges.

"As we approach a new road work season in 1999, it's important that I have a local perspective to help me decide how to best address the needs and concerns of the community," said Mr. Huskilson. "Getting this firsthand look at the roads is important and helpful for me as the transportation minister."

During the visit, Mr. Huskilson and Agriculture Minister Ed Lorraine met with Mayor Bill Mills and members of the Truro town council to address concerns about bridge replacements and truck traffic within the town. Mr. Huskilson inspected the Valley Bridge and the Murray's Siding Bridge during the visit.

"Truro has some very specific concerns about local bridges. Transportation and Public Works is conducting a traffic study in the area, and I'm confident that we will be able to address some of the outstanding concerns as funds become available," said the minister.

Over the past several months, Mr. Huskilson has embarked on a grassroots tour to review the condition of Nova Scotia's roads. The minister has visited the counties of Inverness, Guysborough, Pictou, Cape Breton, Cumberland, Yarmouth, Antigonish and Shelburne, and the Eastern Shore and Musqodoboit Valley areas, and conducted an unofficial tour of Richmond County roads.

"Transportation and Public Works has a comprehensive technical process for prioritizing road work in Nova Scotia, but we also want to work with the people who drive over these roads every day," Mr. Huskilson said. "I'm hoping to open the lines of communication for the benefit of everyone."

Transportation and Public Works has allocated some $53 million for its 1998 repaving program. To date, 93 tenders for road and bridge improvement projects throughout the province have been awarded.