New Highway Base Opens in Amherst

A new base for highway operations in Amherst is up and running and ready for the snow to fall.

Economic Development Minister Ernest Fage officially opened the new Amherst Area Office and Base today, Nov. 17, on behalf of Department of Transportation and Public Works Minister Ron Russell.

"The province has a model facility for highway operations in Cumberland County," said Mr. Fage. "It's energy efficient, durable, with added safety features, and even a four-metre-high visual and sound barrier to separate the residential area from base operations."

The base has two new buildings: a 1,055-square-metre maintenance storage garage and office, and a 650-square-metre salt storage shed.

The base's energy-saving features -- such as a roof-mounted solar heat collector, radiant in-floor heating and added insulation -- mean it will cost less to operate and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The tilt-up, reinforced-concrete maintenance storage garage and office building is more durable than wood and steel construction, and will require less maintenance over time. A key feature of the new base is the three-bay, drive-through equipment storage garage. The drive-through design means increased safety for maintenance workers.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works announced the sale of its 50-year-old base on South Albion Street in Amherst in January 2003. The building was sold to make room for a major retail development. The new facility is located at 19 Tupper Blvd. in the Amherst Industrial Park.

"Cumberland County residents and travellers will be well served by the base for many years to come," added Mr. Fage.