Trunk 7 Work Awarded

Almost 20 kilometres of Trunk 7 will be repaved this summer, bringing benefits for both motorists and industry. The total cost will be about $3.1 million.

The first section, 13 kilometres, stretches from the Halifax County line east to Bear Brook Bridge. The second, 5.5 kilometres, runs from Upper Lakeville Road easterly.

Both sections will see the road repaved and strengthened, allowing heavy trucks to travel fully loaded.

"We are following through on our commitment to residents," said Michael Baker, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "This work will benefit the entire community, and increase prosperity in Nova Scotia."

Chapman Bros. Construction Ltd. was awarded the first contract, with a completion date of Sept. 30. Dexter Construction Co. Ltd. was awarded the second, with completion set for Aug. 31.

Last July, the province announced a five-year, $17-million project to rebuild and repave about 61 kilometres of Trunk 7 and to upgrade four bridges. The work, including this section of road, was outlined in a study conducted by the department. The five-year project begins this year.

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

In addition, last summer the department repaved about 10 kilometres of Trunk 7, five kilometres of Highway 207, 10 kilometres of Highway 107 and strengthened the Musquodoboit Bridge.

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.