Highway 104 Information Session Planned

Residents of the Port Hawkesbury area will soon have an opportunity to learn more about the proposed design for the new Highway 104 near the Canso Causeway.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works will host a public information session on June 9 to present the recommended alignment and interchanges to area residents and businesses.

Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, said the project is on track, and will be ready for construction in 2008. "This is an exciting project and we want to keep people informed about the process, each step of the way, and get some feedback," Mr. Russell said.

Community life, health and safety were the most important concerns voiced at a public consultation session last September, as well as the need for good visibility and improved access to Port Hawkesbury from the new highway.

Mr. Russell said the highway will help sustain the economic viability of the Strait area and provide a safe and efficient highway as the entry way to Cape Breton Island.

The highway is being planned as an eight-kilometre, four-lane, divided, 100-series controlled access highway. It will initially be constructed as a two-lane, 100-series highway.

The open house will be held at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, 606 Reeves St., beginning at 6 p.m.