The Atlantic Road Report
News and views collected from around the Atlantic region so you don’t have to…yer welcome!
NEWFOUNDLAND
New Galway Interchange to be Constructed on Trans-Canada Highway
Work will begin soon on a new interchange to allow for more motorists to travel between Galway and the Trans-Canada Highway.
A $10.3 million contract has been awarded to Farrell’s Excavating Ltd. to construct an underpass below the Trans-Canada Highway at Exit 41 as well as ramps and a roundabout on the western side of the highway that will connect to Danny Drive via the underpass.
The contract also includes the construction of a temporary four-lane diversion on the Trans-Canada Highway to allow motorists to travel around the construction site at a reduced speed.
The new infrastructure will allow motorists to depart and enter Galway via the highway’s westbound lanes. The new interchange will also ease traffic congestion on Pitts Memorial Drive and nearby roads.
“Constructing a new interchange to Galway on the Trans-Canada Highway will help ease traffic congestion on Pitts Memorial Drive, which is one of the busiest highways in the province. Transportation infrastructure is critical to help growing communities like Galway. Creating easier access to the area will also help economic development,” said The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Updates on construction progress and lane reductions will be provided as work progresses. The department anticipates construction being completed in 2024.
Information on active highway construction projects, highway repairs, and winter driving conditions is also available by visiting nl511.ca and on the NL 511 mobile app.
Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.
NOVA SCOTIA
Investment in Road Upgrades
“The Province is investing an additional $4 million in the Rural Impact Mitigation program and equipment to improve roads in Nova Scotia.
The government had already increased its commitment to the program by $11 million, as well as investing $20 million more in the Gravel Road Capital program.
“Improving our provincial roads is important for the safety of Nova Scotians and an investment that makes sense to extend the lifespan of this vital infrastructure,” said Public Works Minister Kim Masland. “The sooner we make this investment, the sooner people are safer, and the longer our roads will last.”
Investments will be made by the end of the fiscal year and will include rebuilding gravel roads, brush cutting, pavement patching, ditching, shoulder gravelling, guardrail repairs, shoreline protection and equipment purchases.
The government had already budgeted more than $62 million for these two programs, bringing the total investment this year to more than $66 million.
This additional support for the Rural Impact Mitigation program is greatly appreciated. There is no shortage of projects that need to be completed. This program is particularly beneficial for some of the smaller contractors within road building. These smaller contractors are very important to the overall Industry health,” said Grant Feltmate, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Road Builders Association
Prince Edward Island
Province unveils new license plates
The province of Prince Edward Island is introducing a new design for its license plates and for the first time, there will be a distinct plate for electric vehicles.
“It has been almost a decade since Prince Edward Island introduced a new license plate design and it is time for a refresh. The traditional, simple design will allow greater visibility as we start getting into 6-digit numbering.”
– Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Cory Deagle
Since 2013, Island residents have been able to purchase a wildlife conservation plate and the funds from the sale of those plates are donated to the Wildlife Conservation Fund. Conservation plates will still be available in the new plate design.
Additionally, Island residents will have the new option to purchase a Canada’s Food Island license plate. All proceeds from the sale of these plates will be donated to Island Food Banks.
The cost will remain at $5 for a new license plate and $10 for a conservation or Canada’s Food Island plate and will be available in late December 2022 at Access PEI locations across the province. People will not be required to purchase a new design plate upon renewal if their current plate is in good condition.
