Twinned Section of Highway 125 Opens
A newly twinned, 7.5 kilometre-section of Highway 125 at North Sydney opens to the travelling public on Wednesday, Nov. 10.
The new section stretches from the intersection of Highway 105 and joins the existing four-lane section of Highway 125 near Johnson Lake at Leitches Creek.
"This section of highway offers commuters and business a safer route to and from industrial Cape Breton," said Gordon Balser, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "Better highways improve safety and help provide a foundation for solid economic growth. It's the kind of investment that will pay dividends for the Sydney area for years to come."
The $13.1-million project was cost-shared 50-50 with Transport Canada under the Strategic Highways Improvement Program. Construction began in the fall of 1997.
More than 32,000 tonnes of asphalt were rolled into place this fall. Paving was completed in echelon, a technique that runs two asphalt spreaders almost side by side to form a seamless two-lane roadway.
Twinning this section of Highway 125 is expected to have a direct impact on the economy of the local communities and the region. Improvements to the 100-series highway system increase safety, mobility and access.
"This section of road provides a stronger link in the national highway system and enhances Cape Breton's opportunities for doing business," said Transport Canada Minister David Collenette. "Whenever there is an improvement in infrastructure, it is an investment in a province's future."
Protection of the Pottle Lake water supply presented special environmental challenges. In an effort to protect the watershed from any potential contamination, measures were taken to include a large spill-containment berm and a retention dyke. In total, the watershed area protection stretches 3.5 kilometres.
The remaining non-twinned section of Highway 125 is currently undergoing an environmental assessment. Plans to continue the twinning toward Sydney on Highway 125 will depend upon future funding availability.