Provincial Tree Removal Effort Expands

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Provincial Tree Removal Effort Expands

The cleanup effort is expanding onto provincial roadways in suburban Halifax today.

Crews from Nova Scotia's transportation department, the Canadian military and Halifax Regional Municipality are teaming up to haul tree limbs and debris away from the sides of provincial roadways.

"This work will help with the cleanup and improve safety for drivers," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "Our staff will continue to use their skills, equipment and expertise in the coming weeks to assist people in hurricane- affected areas of Nova Scotia."

In Halifax County, staff will be working outside the urban core and will haul trees and debris to a central location, where it will be chipped at a later date.

Transportation staff have also been helping out in Colchester County. About 50 staff from across the province travelled to Colchester County last weekend and assisted in the trimming and removal of downed trees so power can be restored to homes in the area. About 30 crew members worked in the Town of Truro and an additional 30 crew members worked in the County of Colchester alongside Nova Scotia Power crews.

Transportation and Public Works staff have been providing assistance since the beginning of the hurricane, with road repairs and deliveries of bedding for shelters.

"We will continue to do what we can, where we can," said the minister.