Cabot Trail Upgrades

One of Nova Scotia's most popular scenic routes is getting a $1.2-million upgrade.

A contract has been awarded to repave about nine kilometres of the Cabot Trail.

"Residents of the county and travellers will benefit from these substantial improvements," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "The investments we're making will have a positive impact on the economy of this area of our province."

The project includes repaving 8.3 kilometres of the Cabot Trail from Point de Havre Road north to Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Repaving will also take place on a section of Chemin de L'Anse de Bois Maries, south on the Cabot Trail from Petit Etang.

"This latest project, on top of the new $10-million bridge at Margaree Harbour, shows government's commitment to tourism and the economy of Cape Breton Island," said Tourism, Culture, and Heritage Minister Rodney MacDonald. "An added bonus is the fact that the road work will be completed in time for the tourist season."

S. W. Weeks Construction Ltd. has been awarded the contract for the project. The work is to be completed by June 30, 2004.

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 district offices located in Bridgewater, Bedford, Truro and Sydney.

Government spent $88.5 million in capital dollars on Cape Breton roads and bridges over the last five years. Cape Breton's share of the provincial capital highway expenditures increased by more than five per cent during the same time period.