Work Begins on Highway 101

Pre-construction work began today on Highway 101 between Mount Uniacke and Ellershouse.

Transportation and Public Works crews will be surveying and conducting environmental screening and subsurface exploration along this 12-kilometer section of the highway.

"This is a necessary step in the upgrading of Highway 101," said Clifford Huskilson, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "I want to be prepared to begin construction as soon as possible, that's why we have to get a head start on this work right now."

In addition to surveying the existing right-of-way for the highway, the province will also begin an environmental screening process. Screening will identify sensitive areas to be protected during construction and will identify measures to protect wildlife and plant life that could be affected by the highway. A thorough environmental assessment is required by the federal government.

"I am optimistic that the federal government will bring in an infrastructure budget next year with money for highway improvements so we can begin construction," the minister said.

The twinning of Highway 101 between Mount Uniacke and Coldbrook is a 73-kilometer project with an estimated cost of $112 million. As part of the national highway system, construction costs are shared between the federal and provincial governments.

Pre-construction work will continue throughout the summer, with completion expected in early fall.