The provincial government will spend what the transportation minister calls an “unprecedented” $225 million on highway construction this year, with an emphasis on upgrading infrastructure vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

And Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Elvis Loveless is promising more announcements pending money from the federal government.

“We believe it’s going to be a good year for the paving industry, contractors, workers,” Loveless told reporters during an announcement in St. John’s.

Jim Organ, executive director of the Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, said it’s welcome news after a tough few years for road builders.

He said companies hired fewer workers in recent years, but he expects that will change as the list of projects lengthens, tenders are awarded earlier, and multi-year funding allows for better planning and productivity.

“The capacity is there for whatever the provincial government decides to bring on with regards to road work, bridge work, culvert work and water and sewer activity for municipalities throughout the province,” said Organ.

Most of the contracts will be for upgrades to the Trans-Canada Highway, ranging from the construction of a new interchange at Galway on the Avalon Peninsula, to paving the stretch of highway from Springdale to Baie Verte junctions, and the replacement of a culvert on the TCH near Port aux Basques. A major upgrade is also planned for Pitts Memorial Drive in St. John’s.

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