The Atlantic Road Report
Bits and pieces of news you can use collected from across the Atlantic region.
NEWFOUNDLAND
Contract Awarded for Replacement of Shoal Harbour River Bridge
A contract valued at $9.2 million has been awarded to Trident Construction Ltd. to replace the Shoal Harbour River Bridge on the Trans-Canada Highway near Clarenville.
The work includes the construction of a new steel box girder bridge, grading and paving, installation of a new guiderail, and installation of topsoil and hydroseed. The contract also includes the removal of the Shoal Harbour Bridge and Shoal Harbour CNR Overpass.
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates work to be completed in 2023.
A contract valued at $1.67 million to J-1 Contracting Limited to realign the highway to the new bridge location and install a new underpass culvert for the T’Railway has been completed.
The bridge is one of six being replaced this year in addition to 27 bridges being rehabilitated. A tender for the replacement of Aspen Brook Bridge on the Trans-Canada Highway in central Newfoundland was also issued last week.
Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.
“Replacing bridges like the Shoal Harbour River Bridge on the Trans-Canada Highway is crucial to ensuring that people and businesses in our provinces can stay connected and have safe and reliable road infrastructure. We encourage motorists to drive cautiously while this work is ongoing,” said the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca and on the NL 511 mobile app.
Prince Edward Island
Climate Challenge Fund supports Island innovation
Fourteen groups will receive over a million dollars through PEI’s Climate Challenge Fund to help Islanders adapt to climate change, develop new technologies and opportunities, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in innovative ways.
The goal of the Climate Challenge Fund is to empower people of different backgrounds, experiences, and expertise, who work across sectors and in different communities throughout the Island, to contribute to climate action in any or all of the following areas:
- adapting to projected impacts of climate change;
- reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
- increasing opportunities for carbon sequestration (the removal and storage of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere);
- building capacity and resilience through public outreach and education; and/or
- expanding climate change research and knowledge.
“We are committed to achieving our ambitious net zero targets and exploring the challenges and opportunities that come with a changing climate. The Climate Challenge Fund supports home-grown solutions and innovations. Islanders are ready and willing to take action when it comes to lessening their impact on the environment,” said Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Steven Myers.
Announced in February 2019, the Climate Challenge Fund has provided $1 million annually. The projects approved in this round will receive up to $1,024,759 in support. The Climate Challenge Fund accepts applications from a wide range of organizations, including First Nations; municipalities; academic institutions; businesses; and non-profit organizations.
Projects approved for support under the Climate Challenge Fund include:
- Maritime Electric Company – $56,845 for climate risk assessment and adaptation plan for transmission and distribution assets.
- North Shore Fisherman’s Association – $75,150 for climate change impacts to sediment transport at select small craft harbours.
- RE-FUEL Renewable Fuels Inc. in partnership with Aspin Kemp & Associates – $100,000 for green hydrogen: power to gas with C02 direct air capture.
- Saint Mary’s University – $100,000 for PEI shoreline assessment and ecosystem services tool for nature-based climate change adaptation.
- Smart Grocery Store Inc. – $100,000 for Monsieur Vrac plastic reduction.
- Town of Stratford – $32,550 for an inventory of Stratford’s urban forest, assessments of natural areas and the creation of a management plan for Stratford’s natural areas.
NOVA SCOTIA
Nova Scotians Encouraged to ‘Be Winter Ready’
The Province is encouraging all Nova Scotians to prepare themselves and their vehicles for winter conditions before the snow starts to fall.
“As Nova Scotians, we know our weather can be unpredictable,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister Allan MacMaster, on behalf of Public Works Minister Kim Masland. “That’s why it’s so important to be prepared. Just as our maintenance staff and operators are getting ready to keep provincial roads safe, we want to remind Nova Scotians to get ready for safe winter driving, too.”
Booking a service appointment is the first step in being prepared for snow and ice on the roads. Vehicles should have snow tires, antifreeze and an emergency kit.
Other winter driving tips include:
- wear seatbelts (seatbelts are required year round)
- slow down and leave additional space between vehicles – it takes more time and distance to brake in adverse conditions
- maintain a safe distance from snowplows to give operators room to do their job
- keep the gas tank at least half full
- plan ahead and include extra time for possible delays.
To help spread the word about winter preparedness and road safety, the Province is running its annual Be Winter Ready campaign. Featuring television, radio and online ads, the campaign promotes safe driving tips and shares details about the tools and services that are available to make winter driving easier and safer.
“I encourage everyone to be mindful of winter road conditions, but also the human conditions before deciding to drive. Give yourself adequate time, slow down and always drive sober and distraction free. If you feel you need to interject before someone else drives when conditions are unsafe, please do your part to keep them and others road users safe. Please enjoy this holiday season safely and responsibly,” said Inspector Don Moser, Assistant Support Services Officer, Nova Scotia RCMP
