Road Infrastructure Needs Detailed

Nova Scotia’s highways, roads and bridges will need a $3.4-billion investment over the next 10 years to maintain the province''s highway infrastructure at acceptable levels.

A 10-year needs study released today by the Department of Transportation and Public Works shows that the province’s primary and secondary highway system will need increased funding to ensure the long-term renewal of Nova Scotia’s road and bridge infrastructure.

"We have a serious problem in Nova Scotia with our roads and bridges. This is a result of years of neglect," said Ron Russell, minister of Transportation and Public Works. "We’re committed to addressing the problem but it’s going to take time and we''re going to have to set priorities."

The report -- titled Nova Scotia’s Primary and Secondary Highway Systems: 10-year Needs -- includes a breakdown of the $3.4-billion infrastructure deficit:

• $1.13 billion for repaving 9,000 kilometres of secondary highways;

• $789 million for more than 600 kilometres of new construction of two- and four-lane highways and interchanges;

• $301 million for repaving 100-series highways;

• $560 million for bridge repairs;

• $300 million for gravel road rehabilitation;

• $260 million for construction, repaving and signal lights on secondary highways; and

• $27.5 million for new paving on local and municipal cost-shared roads.

"The challenge facing the department is large," said the minister. "However, this study will help us to set priorities so that the investments we make will have the greatest benefit for Nova Scotians."

The report also outlined a strategy to address the province’s critical highways needs, including:

• secure a new five-year, $270 million cost-shared agreement with Ottawa to fund construction and improvements to Nova Scotia''s National Highways System;

• fulfil the province’s commitment to spend an additional $31 million on roads and bridges by 2003-04;

• continue to find cost-savings in the Department of Transportation and Public Works through projects such as Road Weather Information System; and

• address the province’s deficit and debt, allowing the government to put additional funding into highway infrastructure.

Mr. Russell said the province this year has put more money into Transportation and Public Works, reversing a 20-year downward trend. In the early 1980s, the Department of Transportation received 10 per cent of the total provincial budget. In 1999-2000 Transportation and Public Works received less than five per cent of the provincial budget.

"The province understands the important role transportation infrastructure plays in the economic and social life of Nova Scotia," said the minister. "We are spending more money on roads and bridges and we will continue to do so.

"However, we can’t do it alone. We will continue to look to Ottawa to support us in financing construction and paving on the National Highway System."

The federal government collects about $130 million annually from Nova Scotia in motive fuel taxes. Last year, Ottawa reinvested less than three per cent of this amount in Nova Scotia''s highway system.

Nova Scotia exports $4 billion in goods each year, and roads are critical in getting products to market, said Mr. Russell.

The minister reinforced the need for patience in dealing with Nova Scotia’s roads and bridges.

"We didn’t get here overnight and we’re not going to solve the problem overnight," said Mr. Russell. "However, we understand where we need to go and how to get there."

The department maintains more than 23,000 kilometres of roads and 3,800 bridges across Nova Scotia.

kjd May 3, 2001