Province to Upgrade Trunk 7

The province is moving ahead with a significant upgrade of Trunk 7, along the Eastern Shore, and plans to invest $17 million over about five years.

Premier John Hamm said today, July 23, that his government plans to rebuild and repave about 61 kilometres of Trunk 7 and to upgrade four bridges beginning next year.

"Nearly three years ago, our government told Nova Scotians we would make highways, roads and bridges a priority, and we're delivering on that commitment," said the premier.

Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, said the Trunk 7 plan is another example of government investing in the province's future.

"Trunk 7 is vital to the economic and social prosperity of the area," said Mr. Russell. "This investment demonstrates our commitment to the residents and businesses of the Eastern Shore."

A study conducted by the department shows that Trunk 7, which connects Dartmouth and Antigonish, needs significant upgrades.

"This is great news for our region," said John D. Meehan, president of the Seaside Tourism Association, located in Musquodoboit Harbour.

The road construction will mean Trunk 7 will be able to handle heavy trucks along the entire route, boosting the economic strength of the local community. Once completed, the road strength will be equal to a 100-series controlled-access highway, meaning trucks weighing up to 50,000 kilograms can travel on the pavement -- the maximum weight allowed in Nova Scotia.

The province is also moving ahead with road projects already planned this year for the Eastern Shore. Tenders will be called shortly to repave about 10 kilometres of Trunk 7 and repave five kilometres of Highway 207. A tender to repave 10 kilometres of Highway 107 and to strengthen the Musquodoboit Bridge is expected to be awarded shortly.

This year, the department's capital budget for road improvements is $85.5 million, an increase of $32 million over the previous year. It is the third year in a row the capital portion of the roads budget has increased.

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.