Keith Milligan, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, announced today that his Department will attempt to have the Pinette Bridge Project open to the motoring public by the end of 1996.
Department officials and their consultants recently held an open house on the project at which residents of the area were provided an opportunity to express concerns relating to the proposed construction activities. One of the major concerns expressed was the length of time planned to build the bridge. The Department originally planned to start construction in the fall of 1996 and not have the bridge open to traffic until the spring of 1997.
"It became clear from the legitimate concerns raised by affected motorists and business within the construction area that a compressed schedule of activities was deemed appropriate," stated Mr. Milligan. "The Department has developed a revised workplan and are proposing to fund the project during the current fiscal year."
Tender documents will be available for contractors by the first of next week and tenders will be received until the first week of September. The successful contractor will be required to have the new bridge open for traffic by December 31, 1996. Paving of the approaches to the bridge and clean up will be finalized during the spring of 1997.
"I believe that the compressed construction schedule and the significant reduction in the inconvenience to the motoring public will address many of the concerns raised by residents of the area," stated Mr. Milligan.