Transportation and Public Works
For immediate release FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS ANNOUNCE IMPROVEMENTS TO ROUTE 2
CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI The governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island officially announced the completion of the 6-kilometre section of Route 2 between Hunter River and Fredericton, and the recent construction of the roundabout which links Route 1A with Route 2, the Veterans Memorial Highway in Travellers Rest. These upgrades are part of an $18.4 million joint investment to improve Prince Edward Island’s portion of the National Highway System through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Program (CSIF).“Canada’s New Government is proud to partner with Prince Edward Island to upgrade a highway which will increase the safety and security of travellers and have a positive impact on the local tourism economy,” said Minister Peter MacKay on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “This segment of the highway and the roundabout will also reduce vehicle idling hereby increasing the quality of the air for communities in Prince Edward Island.” The reconstruction of a 6-kilometre section of Route 2, valued at approximately $6.8 million, began in June 2006. The project was publicly tendered and awarded to Island Construction Ltd. of Charlottetown. Construction of the Travellers Rest roundabout, Prince Edward Island’s first modern roundabout, began in June 2006. Valued at approximately $1.2 million, the project was publicly tendered and awarded to Curran & Briggs Ltd of Summerside. “This investment shows the positive results that come from the federal and provincial governments working together to improve Island roads,” said Premier Pat Binns. “The improvements made to Route 2 in the areas of Hunter River and Travellers Rest are the first of several projects that will increase safety, efficiency and capacity on Prince Edward Edward Island’s Veterans Memorial Highway.” For more information about federal and provincial infrastructure initiatives that benefit the communities of Prince Edward Island, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.gov.pe.ca/go/infrastructure. BACKGROUNDER Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF): • The Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund is a federal program directed to projects of major federal and regional significance in areas that are vital to sustaining economic growth and enhancing the quality of life of Canadians. • Through CSIF, the governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island have partnered to upgrade sections of Route 2, which is part of the province’s portion of the National Highway System. The NHS core routes in Prince Edward Island include Route 1 (Trans Canada Highway), Route 1A and Route 2, and Prince Edward Island’s Veterans Memorial Highway. • The Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) represents a joint investment of $18.4 million by the governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island to improve Island roads. • The Government of Canada has committed up to $7.5 million and Prince Edward Island has committed $10.9 million towards the project. • CSIF builds on past investments by the governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island to improve the Trans-Canada Highway and Route 2 (Veterans Memorial Highway) under the recently completed Strategic Highway Improvement Program (SHIP). Travellers Rest Roundabout: Location: Intersection at Travellers Rest, linking Route 1A with Route 2 (Veterans Memorial Highway). Upgrades: Converting a non-signalized T intersection, and improvements to the road alignment and grade Contractor: Curran & Briggs Ltd of Summerside Funding: Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) Total project approximately $1.2 million Route 2, Veterans Memorial Highway: Location: Route 2 (Veterans Memorial Highway) from Hunter River to Fredericton Upgrades: Reconstruction of 6 km of highway, with expanded paved shoulders, climbing lanes and turning lanes. Contractor: Island Construction Ltd. of Charlottetown Funding: Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) Total project approximately $6.8 million In April 2005, the governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island signed the Infrastructure Governance Framework for the management of more than $120 million in infrastructure funds which will be invested in Island communities over the next five years. This Governance Framework provides a locally based and responsive management structure for the Canada PEI Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) and the transfer of federal gas tax revenues to communities in the province. - 30 -For additional information, contact Jeff Himelman. | |||||||||||
