More Highway Twinning for Nova Scotia
The government of Canada and the province of Nova Scotia are providing more than $32 million for twinning sections of highways 104 and 125.
Minister of Transportation and Public Works, Angus MacIsaac, with Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today, Feb. 24, announced that their governments have committed, respectively, up to $17 million and $15 million toward twinning close to nine kilometres of the highways, which are part of the National Highway System.
"This substantial investment in our roads will mean safer and faster travel for many Nova Scotians," said Mr. MacIsaac. "With much of the planning work already completed for these sections of highways 104 and 125, the province will be ready to call tenders to begin the improvements as early as fall 2007.
"The province looks forward to collaborating with the government of Canada on other strategic highway infrastructure improvement projects in the near future."
Mr. MacKay said upgrading the highways is important.
"Highways 104 and 125 are key transportation corridors that connect Nova Scotia to the rest of Canada. Canada's government is committed to ensuring the safety of Canadians and the efficient movement of goods along this important highway system," said Mr. MacKay. "Today's announcement reflects the government's commitment to enhancing the quality of life of Canadians and to ensuring the economic sustainability of our communities."
The investment will twin a 3.6-kilometre section of Highway 104 from east of New Glasgow to east of Sutherlands River. Work has begun to twin an eight-kilometre section of Highway 104 between New Glasgow and Pine Tree Road. When the projects are finished, Highway 104 will be a four-lane divided highway from the New Brunswick border to Sutherlands River.
The funding will help twin a five-kilometre section of Highway 125 from Balls Creek to Sydney River, joining four-lane segments at Balls Creek interchange and Coxheath Road interchange at Sydney River.
Financial support is conditional on meeting applicable federal and provincial requirements, including the successful completion of environmental assessments required under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
The federal contribution is provided through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, which supports large-scale infrastructure projects that strengthen areas vital to sustaining economic growth and enhancing quality of life for Canadians.