Islanders will continue to see better bridges, better roads, and altogether safer road infrastructure in 2009 and beyond. That will be the message on Thursday as the Provincial Department of Transportation and Public Works issues its second round of road construction tenders worth approximately 10 million dollars.
“The safety and integrity of Prince Edward Island’s highway infrastructure is very important to Islanders,” says Minister of Transportation and Public Works Ron MacKinley. “This round of road construction tenders firms up this government’s commitment to providing safer bridges and roads for all road users.”
A total of nine tenders will be issued Thursday. Some of the highlights include the replacement of the Tyne Valley Bridge, major reconstruction on sections of Route 2 in Hunter River, Days Corner and Kensington, and major repairs to the Trans Canada Highway in Hazelbrook and to Route 7 in North Milton.
“So far this year we’ve tendered approximately 20 million dollars worth of road and bridge construction that will be taken on by Island companies, and there’s still more to come,” says Minister MacKinley. “This work provides a very important boost to Island businesses at a time of economic uncertainty across the country.”
Backgrounder
To date, approximately 20 million dollars worth of road and bridge construction tenders has been issued for the 2009 construction season. In this round of tenders, nine projects are identified:
- Dunedin Bridge replacement. This project will involve the full demolition and replacement of the Dunedin Bridge on Route 9 in Dunedin.
- Tyne Valley Bridge replacement. This project will involve the full demolition and replacement of the Tyne Valley Bridge on Route 12 in Tyne Valley.
- Reconstruction of 2.4 kilometres of Route 2 from Day’s Corner to St. Nicholas. Included in the reconstruction will be the addition of a climbing lane.
- Reconstruction of 1.8 kilometres of Route 2 in Hunter River. This major reconstruction project will include lowering of the grade on the eastern approach into the community to allow for better sight distance at the intersection of Route 2 and Route 13. It will also include the addition of turning lanes within the intersection and “traffic calming” devices that will encourage drivers to slow down as they enter the community.
- Rehabilitation of 3.9 kilometres of Route 1, the Trans Canada Highway in Hazelbrook. This project will involve a full mill and recap on this section of road.
- Rehabilitation of 1.9 kilometres of Route 2 in Kensington. This project will involve road widening, the addition of a left turn lane and a complete mill, re-cap and seal.
- Rehabilitation of 3.4 kilometres of Route 7, the Rustico Road, in North Milton. Full mill, re-cap and seal.
- New turning lane, Intersection of the Northam Road, Route 132, and Route 2.
- Upgrades at various streets within Slemon Park in advance of the Canada Summer Games.