Support for Sydney Ports Access Road
The Nova Scotia government has given the green light to the development of the Sydney Ports Access Road, connecting Highway 125 to the Sysco and Nova Scotia Power piers. Premier John Hamm made the announcement today, Sept. 26.
"This road covers several of the commitments we have made to Nova Scotians -- improving our roads, building a better environment for business and paying attention to the economic and social needs of Cape Breton," said Premier Hamm.
"This road will make a difference in the everyday life of local residents and local businesses. It is also an important piece of infrastructure to help attract new companies and create a better future for the region," he said.
A partnership involving Sysco, Nova Scotia Power and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) is being established for this project. CBRM will hold a special meeting on Sept. 27 in Sydney to review the project.
"Working together is the best way to find solutions that work for local businesses, residents and taxpayers alike," said the premier.
The road alignment runs from the highway end-point at Grand Lake Road, across the Burnac Leaseholds property to the eastern edge of the municipal landfill site. It then continues along the edge of the Coke Ovens site immediately adjacent to the rail tracks. Ultimately, it will run across the Sysco site to a new bridge across Muggah Creek, then to Ferry Street in downtown Sydney.
This alignment was recommended as part of Environmental Design and Management's final report on redevelopment of the Sysco site. The report was released July 3. In response, Sysco committed to quickly looking into road construction. The road proposal was based on recommendations from community consultations involving local businesses, residents, CBRM council and staff, and others.
"This road will help make the most of Sysco's potential to become a significant industrial park, attracting new businesses and investments," said Premier Hamm.
Once an agreement is finalized, a contractor will be selected and work will begin, likely sometime in October.