The safety of the province’s main route between Summerside and Borden-Carleton is improved thanks to the completion of the Ross’ Corner bridge replacement project, says Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Robert Vessey.
“Route 1A is one of the Island’s busiest highways, and the completion of this bridge replacement improves not only the overall condition of the highway, but also improves safety for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and farm machinery, said Minister Vessey. “This was the single biggest Build PEI highway improvement completed by the province in 2011 and I’m very pleased to see the new bridge up and running.”
The $4.9 million Ross’ Corner Bridge replacement project began in early May and wrapped up this week. A temporary bridge had to be installed over the course of the project because of the high volume of traffic and the lack of a suitable detour for heavy trucks. The new bridge is built longer and wider with new paved shoulders. There have also been changes to the alignment of the approach roads in both directions which improves the safety of the roadway.
“It’s been another very successful and busy year for staff in the department,” said Minister Vessey. “Once all work is completed, the province will have invested close to $37 million this year to improve the safety and efficiency of the Island’s road and bridge network.”
Other major projects completed this year include the reconstruction of Route 2 in Bristol, which was the last section of the main intra-provincial highway without paved shoulders, the resurfacing of Route 1, the Trans-Canada Highway in Hampton and the resurfacing of Route 2 in Bloomfield.