Investing in Shelburne's Future

Stronger roads will mean fuller loads and enhanced business opportunities for industry in Shelburne County.

The province is spending more than $1.1 million on repaving seven kilometres of Route 309 and Shore Road in Shelburne County this summer. The work will eliminate spring weight restrictions near Port Saxon and allow trucks from Kenney & Ross Limited, a local marine gelatin extraction plant, to travel fully loaded.

"This repaving work is strengthening the road so local industry can continue to operate at capacity," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "Roads are an important economic enabler and this government understands that fact."

Spring weight restrictions have forced the company's trucks to carry reduced loads several months of each year, when the roads are typically weak due to frost leaving the ground. This paving project will enable the trucks to ship with full loads year round. The Shore Road is also part of the Lighthouse Route, an important tourism connector.

"This repaving work will benefit operations and assist in the employment of 70 people," said Bob Welland, vice-president of Kenney & Ross Limited. "Local industry needs good roads and this work will assure our operations."

Dexter Construction was awarded the contract. Work is to be completed by Aug. 31.

Kenney & Ross Limited received Nova Scotia's Exporter of the Year Award on Thursday, May 13, from Nova Scotia Business Inc. and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. The company manufactures specialized gelatin used in the electronic industry.

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 4,100 bridges and operates seven provincial ferries. Staff provide services from district offices located in Bridgewater, Bedford, Truro and Sydney.