Highway 103 Work to Begin, Shelburne County

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Highway 103 Work to Begin, Shelburne County

Tenders are being called for construction work on the Highway 103 extension at Barrington, Shelburne County. Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, announced the tender call today, July 17.

"The construction of the Barrington bypass will generate direct savings in time and fuel to truckers and other motorists," said Mr. Russell. "Improvements to the 100-series highway system increase mobility across the province, creating a more attractive environment for business. Construction of the highway will also create economic benefits for Barrington and nearby communities."

This is the first major tender call in the four-year program to invest in safer, more efficient highway transportation along the South Shore. The tender being advertised seeks competitive bids to prepare the roadbed over about 3.2 kilometres, from the intersection with Trunk 3 at Barrington in a westerly direction to Barrington River.

Contractors have until Aug. 9 to submit bids. The work is expected to be completed by the end of June 2003.

"We've worked long and hard to make this major funding commitment, and I'm pleased to see this summer's construction program get under way," said Mr. Russell. "We're investing in our roads to help build our future. Nova Scotians know we have some major challenges with our highways and local roads, but we're headed in the right direction."

The province will spend a total of $12.1 million over four years on the Barrington bypass. In addition, $15.9 million will be spent to twin Highway 103 between Otter Lake and Upper Tantallon, between Exit 3 and Exit 5, near Halifax. Neither project qualified for federal cost-sharing.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works highways division manages more than 23,000 kilometres of roads in Nova Scotia. It maintains an inventory of 3,800 bridges and operates seven provincial ferries. Staff provide services from four district offices located in Bridgewater, Bedford, Truro and Sydney.