Province, federal governments invest $33-million in Highway 103 – press release

Media coverage of the announcement will soon be published.

The controlled access, eight-kilometre section of Highway 103, announced today, April 7, in Liverpool, will reduce traffic, including commercial vehicles, that pass through residential areas of the Queens County community. "This is a significant part of the work to modernize roads from one end of Nova Scotia to the other," said Premier Rodney MacDonald. "Today's announcement represents Phase I of a plan to build a controlled access highway from Broad River to Sable River, improving safety along this stretch of highway while supporting the local economy."

Highway 103 serves as a gateway from Halifax to Yarmouth and then links to the U.S., via the CAT ferry. The improvement is important for the economic growth of the province. "This investment will ensure that this vital route continues to serve the province of Nova Scotia well into the future," said Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, representing the government of Canada. "It will also bring peace of mind to local residents and businesses who use this highway daily."

The project responds to requests from local chambers of commerce, residents and elected officials to make the section of highway a priority. Construction, targeted to begin in late 2011 and expected to be completed within two years, will provide jobs for the local economy. "We're pleased to move forward on this project that meets the needs of local businesses and residents," said Brooke Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "This project will improve safety and traffic flow on the South Shore."

An environmental assessment, surveying, land acquisition and detailed design work will be done before construction.

The province of Nova Scotia is providing funding through its Building for Growth Plan, one of the largest infrastructure programs in the province's history.