Mount Pearl residents to benefit from safer, smoother roads

MOUNT PEARL, NL, Oct. 11, 2017 /CNW/ - Investing in modern and efficient roadways is integral to building safe and prosperous communities where Canadians want to live and work. The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are committed to supporting well-planned infrastructure that contributes to economic growth by creating good paying middle class jobs and makes it easier for people and products to move through the province.

The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, on behalf of the Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment; and His Worship Dave Aker, Mayor of Mount Pearl, today announced more than $9.4 million in federal-provincial funding for two road improvement projects in Mount Pearl.

The first project will involve widening and repaving portions of both Topsail and Blackmarsh roads, and reconfiguring the Blackmarsh-Topsail Intersection to allow for traffic signals. The wastewater management system will also be upgraded, and new curbs, gutters, sidewalks and bus lay-by areas will be installed.

The second project will involve repaving Commonwealth Avenue from Glendale Avenue to Francis Street, upgrading or installing 2,000 metres of sidewalks, and upgrading the traffic signals at four key locations. The water and wastewater management systems will also be updated along this important roadway.    

Quotes

"Strategic investments in transportation infrastructure help address issues along vital road and highway corridors, and around transportation hubs and ports. Our government understands the importance of investing in projects like the widening and resurfacing of Topsail and Blackmarsh roads, and the rehabilitation of Commonwealth Avenue. This work will make the City's transportation network safer and more efficient – helping kids travel safely to school, workers arrive on time, and seniors access the services they need."

The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, On behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Strengthening our province's infrastructure is a priority for our government and we are pleased to continue a positive working collaboration with the Government of Canada to achieve this goal. These upgrades to roads in Mount Pearl will enhance the safety of motorists and pedestrians while helping traffic flow. Upgrades to the wastewater system will ensure residents continue to receive high quality services."

The Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment

"We are a City growing to meet the future head on. Through good asset management, smart planning, and thoughtful infrastructure and development, we are ensuring long-term, sustainable services for Mount Pearl. These projects will be some of the largest in our City's history. They will create modern thoroughfares, improve accessibility for our pedestrians, reduce traffic delays, and advance capacity for future development in these areas."

Dave Aker, Mayor of Mount Pearl

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada will be contributing up to $1,433,789 for the Topsail Road and Blackmarsh Road Infrastructure Improvements project, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be contributing $1,922,005. The City of Mount Pearl will contribute $1,438,197.
• The Government of Canada will be contributing up to $2,676,406 for the Commonwealth Avenue Infrastructure Improvements project, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be contributing $3,414,245. The City will contribute $2,610,279.
• The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• More than $10.1 billion of this funding will support trade and transportation projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
• These investments complement the Atlantic Growth Strategy, a 2-year federal-provincial action plan aimed at stimulating economic growth in the region through five priority areas:
• Skilled workforce/Immigration;
• Innovation;
• Clean growth and climate change; 
• Trade and investment;
• Infrastructure.

Associated links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan in Budget 2017

Federal infrastructure investments in Newfoundland and Labrador

National Regional Projects Component of the New Building Canada Fund

Atlantic Growth Strategy

Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada