Highway 103 Work Moves Forward

It's a big year for highway construction along Highway 103.

Nova Scotia will invest $19 million this year in Highway 103 projects near Halifax and Barrington.

"This massive capital infusion into Highway 103 shows the value of this transportation corridor to the province," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "Motorists are going to benefit with faster commutes, and communities and businesses will benefit with an improved transportation network."

Mr. Russell said the investments represent 17 per cent of the department's overall capital budget.

Mr. Russell said his department plans to spend $16 million this year upgrading Highway 103 between Otter Lake and Tantallon to four lanes, including the following work: -- complete an overpass at Nine Mile River; -- build new roadbed between Otter Lake and Exit 4; -- build a new structure at the Route 213 interchange (Exit 5); -- build an overpass at Exit 4; and -- construct a trail underpass near Cranberry Lake on the old rail line.

This project -- to upgrade 15 kilometres of Highway 103 to four- lanes -- is expected to open in the fall of 2005. Total cost is expected to be $25 million.

In Barrington, Shelburne Co., the department plans to spend about $3 million this year on road and bridge work on the new Barrington Bypass. Mr. Russell said the work includes a new bridge across the Willis Branch of the Barrington River and new interchange ramps and roadbed.

"We made a commitment to complete the Barrington Bypass and we are going to meet that commitment," said the minister. "We are investing $12 million overall in this project, investments that will help motorists and the local economy."

The new highway between Barrington and Oak Park will feature an 8.3 kilometre stretch of two-lane, controlled-access highway and interchange, as well as three bridges.

Next summer the department plans to build two new bridges. In 2006 crews will complete the paving on the project. The new highway section is expected to open in the fall of 2006.