Early Tendering Program Kicks Off

The Department of Transportation and Public Works has kicked off its early tendering program for the 1999 road-building season with four tender calls.

"I'm pleased to be able to call these first tenders for the 1999 season," said Clifford Huskilson, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "Early tendering is better from a planning perspective for both government and the roadbuilders. Our window of opportunity for road construction is sometimes narrow. Being ready to go, as soon as the weather allows, lets us get more done in a shorter time."

The early tendering practice started in 1998 as a result of calls from the road construction industry. It helps the department better plan its work schedule and allows it to get a jump on Nova Scotia's short road-work season. Under existing rules, Transportation and Public Works can call up to 50 per cent of its previous year's capital budget before the provincial budget process has been completed.

"Early tendering is important because it enables contractors and suppliers to review their equipment needs and make adjustments for the upcoming construction season. It's also important to be able to start work as soon as the weather permits," said D.J. Campbell, president of Nova Scotia Roadbuilders Association and CEO of S.W. Weeks Construction Ltd. of New Glasgow. "Especially with asphalt, it's essential to get work started and completed as early as possible. Quality workmanship requires the best weather."

The road construction industry in Nova Scotia employs 2,000 to 3,000 people during the season and is responsible for thousands of spinoff jobs provincewide. Every $1 million spent on highway construction creates nearly 100 direct and spinoff jobs.

Mr. Campbell stressed the importance of early tendering for road construction workers who can count on a regular paycheque. He also noted the significant impact road construction has upon communities throughout Nova Scotia.

"Contractors hire local truckers," said Mr. Campbell. "They board their employees in local hotels and residences. They hire local people. This is money spent locally, and it stays within the community."

All four projects on the early tender list -- the first of many

• are for improvements to Nova Scotia's 100-series highway system. Mr. Huskilson said that keeping those main highways in shape supports Nova Scotia's economy and makes them safer for all motorists.

"Solid transportation infrastructure promotes a strong future. Roads, rails, ports and airports are the four pillars of transportation, and they are the wheels of the economy. But let's not forget that better roads are also safer roads," said the minister.

"It's critical that we use our limited resources as efficiently as possible. Early tendering helps us do just that."

Last year, Transportation and Public Works spent $53 million on 93 road and bridge improvement projects.

The first four tenders of the 1999 road-improvement season are:

• In Hants County, a tender has been called for cold planing and asphalt concrete repaving on Highway 102 southbound, from Exit 9 at Milford, southerly to Exit 8 at Elmsdale, 10.8 km, including Exit 8 off-ramp, 0.3 km.
  The tender call closes Feb. 23. Work is expected to be carried out by Aug. 31.

• In Halifax County, a tender has been called for cold planing and asphalt concrete repaving on Highway 107; from Trunk 7 to Highway 118 overpass structure, 7.4 km, Montague Mines Road interchange ramps, 1.45 km, and ramp to Highway 118 northbound and ramp to Dartmouth/Halifax southbound, 2.8 km.
  The tender call closes Feb. 18. Work is expected to be carried out by Aug. 31.

• In Halifax County, a tender has been called for cold planing and asphalt concrete repaving on the following two sections, totalling 2.2 km:
  Section 1 -- Highway 102 northbound, from Exit 5 at Lake
  Thomas Bridge to the junction of Highway 102 and Highway
  118 overpass, 0.9 km.
  Section 2 -- Highway 102 southbound, from the junction of
  Highway 118 and Highway 102 to Exit 5 at Lake Thomas
  Bridge, 1.3 km.
  The tender call closes Feb. 16. Work is expected to be carried out by Aug. 31.

• In Lunenburg County, a tender has been called for cold planing and asphalt concrete repaving on Highway 103, from Century Drive at Hebbville to Exit 12, 5.4 km, and ramps at Exit 12 (two ramps) and Exit 13 (four ramps), 2.0 km.
  The tender call closes Feb. 17. Work is expected to be carried out by Aug. 31.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works is committed to better, safer roads for Nova Scotia.