New Bridge for Cumberland County

Residents and visitors to Cumberland County will soon have a smoother drive over a new bridge on Route 301.

A $2.4-million contract has been awarded to replace the Lower Eel Creek Bridge on Route 301, which connects Trunk 6 to Oxford. The bridge is located near Port Howe, west of the intersection of Route 301 and Trunk 6.

"This project is part of continuing improvements to roads and bridges in Cumberland County," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "Improving Nova Scotia's infrastructure provides economic benefits and improved safety for everyone travelling on our roads and highways."

Replacing the Lower Eel Creek Bridge is the final stage in improvements to Route 301. This summer saw the last section of the road repaved, from Carrington Road east to Trunk 6.

The new two-lane concrete bridge will replace the existing one- lane steel truss and bailey bridge, built in the late 1940s.

The contract was awarded to Alva Construction. The tender closed on Aug. 27 and work is expected to be complete by early 2005.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works highways division manages more than 23,000 kilometres of roads in Nova Scotia. It maintains 4,100 bridges and operates seven provincial ferries. Staff provide services from district offices located in Bridgewater, Bedford, Truro and Sydney.