Highway Opening in Pictou County

Nova Scotia's four-lane divided Trans-Canada Highway network is becoming 15 kilometres stronger with the opening of a section from Salt Springs to Alma, in Pictou County.

The new section of Highway 104 will open to traffic in two stages next week, weather permitting. The announcement was made today by Clifford Huskilson, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, Senator Al Graham and federal Transport Minister David Collenette.

"Partnerships such as this go a long way toward meeting the growing needs of the trade, tourism and travel industries in Canada and also generate significant benefits for the local construction industry," said Senator Graham. "These improvements are another step in ensuring Nova Scotia has a safe and efficient transportation system."

"These funds were spent under the Canada/Nova Scotia Highway Improvement Program," added federal Transport Minister David Collenette. "These programs help to promote the interprovincial movement of goods and people, and enhance regional competitiveness while creating jobs."

Eastbound lanes from Salt Springs to Alma are scheduled to open Monday, July 19, with the westbound lanes accepting traffic the next day if crews can complete asphalt paving to join the new lanes with the existing highway. Asphalt paving can only be done on a day without rain.

"Salt Springs to Alma is a key link in a powerful economic driver for Nova Scotia -- a four-lane Highway 104," said Mr. Huskilson. "Since 1997, we have seen almost 60 kilometres of new four-lane Trans-Canada Highway built through northern Nova Scotia.

"From the New Brunswick boundary to New Glasgow, travellers and truckers can enjoy the safety, comfort and efficiency of driving on a divided highway."

The new highway is about two kilometres shorter than the old route and, with a speed limit of 110 km/h, reduces travel time by four to five minutes. The $57-million cost of the four-year project was shared equally between the province and Transport Canada.

It is a controlled-access highway, with traffic flowing to and from three interchanges: Exit 19 serves Salt Springs, West River and Durham; Exit 20 serves Pleasant Valley, Green Hill and Union Centre; and Exit 21 serves Alma, Westville and Cowan Street.

"This highway is an investment in safety and economic growth for Nova Scotia," said Mr. Huskilson. "Improvements to the 100-series highway system increase mobility and access provincewide, creating a more attractive environment for business and industry."