Highway 125 Winter Clearing

Work is underway to prepare for a major project on Highway 125 in Cape Breton County.

The tender to complete the clearing of about six kilometres of right-of-way from exit 4 near Balls Creek to exit 6 near Sydney River has been awarded. R. MacLean Forestry Ltd. of Antigonish was awarded the contract, valued at $38,750. The work is to be completed by Monday, March 15.

"We are following through on our commitment to the residents of Cape Breton County," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Ron Russell. "This work is another step toward providing the best road network possible for the travelling public."

The work involves preparing the site for the start of construction of new twinned lanes on Highway 125 from Balls Creek to Sydney River. The project will include a new interchange at the Coxheath Road and widening of the existing divided highway near Sydney River.

The estimated cost of the project is $13 million. Under the cost- shared Strategic Highways Infrastructure Program, the province will provide $9.4 million in funding, while the federal government will contribute $3.6 million.

The new four-lane highway is expected to be completed in the fall of 2005.