New Interchange on Highway 101 to create safer, more efficient commutes for Nova Scotians

NEW MINAS, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - Nov. 7, 2016) - The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are making infrastructure investments that will help create jobs, grow the middle class, and support a high standard of living for Nova Scotians and their families.

The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, was joined by Keith Irving, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Kings South, on behalf of the Honourable Geoff MacLellan, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal for Nova Scotia, to announce more than $15 million in joint funding for the construction of Hwy 101 Granite Drive interchange project between Hortonville and Coldbrook.

This project involves constructing an overpass, four ramps to form a "diamond" interchange, a 900-metre connector road from the highway to Granite Drive, a roundabout at the end of Granite Drive and Silver Fox Avenue, and another at each intersection of the on/off ramps.

Once complete, the project will significantly improve traffic circulation, increase driver safety and reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from congestion.

The government of Canada is contributing up to $7.66 million to this project, representing fifty per cent of the estimated $15.3 million total eligible project cost. The Government of Nova Scotia is providing the remaining funds.

Quotes

"Public infrastructure connects people, supports job creation, and boosts economic development. The Government of Canada is working in close partnership with the Province of Nova Scotia to ensure we make smart investments that help grow the middle class, promote sustainable development and increase public safety. The improvements to this critical transportation route in New Minas will help reduce traffic congestion in the village and enhance economic growth in the area."

The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"There are two important aspects of today's announcement. The Granite Interchange will improve safety for our drivers on this section of Highway 101, and secondly it will facilitate access to one of the Annapolis Valley's most important commercial centres - the village of New Minas."

Keith Irving, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Kings South, on behalf of the Honourable Geoff MacLellan, Minister of the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

Associated links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan: http://www.budget.gc.ca/fes-eea/2016/docs/themes/infrastructure-en.html

Federal infrastructure investments in Nova Scotia: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html.

New Building Canada Fund - National and Regional Projects: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nrp-pnr-prog-eng.html

New Building Canada Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html.

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada