**** TRANSPORTATION Media Release
Highway 104 Twinning Project Update
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The twinning project that will make Highway 104 safer for motorists and improve the efficiency of one of the province’s most important transportation corridors is well underway.
The section of highway between Sutherlands River, Pictou Co., and Antigonish is now an active construction zone for the next two and a half years with reduced passing opportunities and lower travel speeds.
“This stretch of highway has seen too many tragedies over the years and we know twinning this section will save lives,” said Lloyd Hines, Minister of Transportation and Active Transit. “I ask motorists for their patience and encourage everyone to drive with caution, be aware of construction zones and watch out for our workers. We understand construction activity can cause disruption and apologize for any inconvenience.”
Since 2009, there have been 391 collisions, including 14 fatal collisions that have claimed 19 lives, on this untwinned portion of Highway 104.
Earlier this month, westbound climbing lanes in the Telford area and eastbound lanes in the Broadway area were removed. This was necessary to facilitate the construction activities. It is anticipated that phased removal of climbing lanes will occur throughout the construction period. Signs will be in place to remind motorists of the changing conditions and the information will also be available on the project website, social media and local radio.
Dexter Nova Alliance, led by local contractors Dexter Construction and Nova Construction, was awarded the contract to design, build, finance, operate and maintain this section of Highway 104 in May 2020. The project includes:
— 28 kilometres of new two-lane twinned highway
— 10 kilometres of new four-lane twinned highway
— two new interchanges
— about 24 new bridges
Dexter Nova Alliance will also upgrade the existing section of highway.
Construction will be completed before the end of 2023.
The total cost of the project is $717.9 million, with the federal government contributing $90 million under the National Trade Corridors Fund.
Quick Facts:
— the project will result in a continuous twinned Highway 104, part of the Trans-Canada Highway, from the New Brunswick border to Antigonish, just west of Exit 31
— during the 20-year agreement, Dexter Nova Alliance will take over operating and maintenance responsibilities – including snow removal, pothole repair and repaving – for the new twinned portion of the highway and another 25 kilometres of existing highway
— the cost of the project includes $364.3 million for construction and $196.4 million for ongoing operations and maintenance and a major upgrade of the existing stretch of highway; insurance, professional fees and financing and other costs make up the remainder of the total
Additional Resources:
Nova Scotia Highway Construction Projects: http://novascotia.ca/tran/highways/highway104-twinning.asp
