Transportation infrastructure renewal: $16.8-million contract awarded for Antigonish Highway

ANTIGONISH, NS, Feb. 17, 2012 /CNW/ - There will soon be increased safety and better traffic flow for drivers on Highway 104 near Antigonish, thanks to a multi-million-dollar investment by the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia.

A $16,750,533 contract, recently awarded to Dexter Construction, will complete the eight-kilometre Phase 1 section of a controlled access, 100-series highway from Addington Forks to east of Beech Hill Road.

"Highway 104 is a vital link in the Trans-Canada Highway system, and this project will improve safety, ease congestion and cut travel time for drivers," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Central Nova. "Our government is proud to invest in infrastructure projects that create jobs and economic growth, and lay the foundation for a bright and prosperous future in Canada."

"This project has been a major economic boost for northeastern Nova Scotia," said Nova Scotia's Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister, Bill Estabrooks. "Its construction is creating good jobs and its completion will result in a valuable upgrade for drivers in the area."

Construction of Phase 1 began in 2009 and has a total estimated cost of about $82 million. The Government of Canada is contributing up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $25 million, through the Building Canada Fund. The Province of Nova Scotia is providing the remainder as part of its Five Year Highway program.

Pierre Floréa
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and
Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700

Sue McKeague
Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
902-424-8978
Email: [email protected]

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055

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