Province Invests in Route 204, Cumberland County

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Province Invests in Route 204, Cumberland County

More than eight kilometres of Route 204 will be repaved this summer, completing the repaving between Amherst and Oxford. Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, announced the project today, July 25.

The work will begin about 12 kilometres west of Route 301 at Oxford and continue westerly.

"This work is needed and it's an important investment in our province," said Mr. Russell. "A strong road network helps build a strong economy and strong social networks. It's good for our communities and good for our province."

The paving project is worth about $1.5 million. Dexter Construction Ltd. was the successful bidder. Work is expected to be completed by Oct. 31.

So far this year the province has invested almost $6.5 million dollars in Cumberland County roads.

"We have a $3.4-billion infrastructure problem in Nova Scotia that won't be solved overnight," said Mr. Russell. "But with our increased capital roads budget this year, we're able to complete important projects like this one."

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

The 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. Four district offices are located in Bridgewater, Bedford, Truro and Sydney.