Residents Behind Highway Projects

Nova Scotia's priorities for highway improvements are critical to the province's competitive position and safety, said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, today, Aug. 30.

"Nova Scotians know, and have told us frequently, that road improvements are absolutely necessary," said Mr. Russell. "In fact, we've been very clear that we have a $3.4-billion problem and a strategic plan to address it."

Mr. Russell added that long-term improvements to Highway 101 through the Annapolis Valley and Highway 104 to Cape Breton would benefit all Nova Scotians.

"Not only will twinning mean safer travel, but it will improve the flow of goods and services to the rest of Canada, indeed the rest of North America," he said. "That's why we're seeking federal funding for these important projects.

"It's been very clear from our increased budgets for roads that we're serious about building better highways for residents and tourists. Business, community and municipal leaders across the province are behind us all the way."

The Department of Transportation and Public Works' Highways Division manages more than 23,000 kilometres of roads in Nova Scotia, maintains an inventory of 3,800 bridges and operates seven provincial ferries. Its four district offices are located in Bridgewater, Bedford, Truro and Sydney.