FREDERICTON (CNB) – The provincial government will place a renewed focus on repairing potholes this spring, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams announced today.

"Pothole repair is an issue I hear about often from members of the public, and as minister, I am committed to responding to their concerns," said Williams. "I have asked highway supervisors in each of the six transportation districts to undertake a review of the roads in their area and to devise a priority list for work during the next three months."

This month, district staff will compile their lists and undertake temporary patching with cold asphalt mix. The Department of Transportation has invested more than $700,000 this year in buying 6,195 tons of cold mix, of which 5,200 tons have been applied so far.

The department will begin permanent road repairs coinciding with the reopening of asphalt plants in May. Priority will be given to arterial highways, followed by collector routes and local roads. Williams expected the reopening of 22 rural garages across the province will speed up repairs.

In addition, the department has allocated $26 million this year to chipseal rural roads. This resurfacing is expected to improve road conditions and result in fewer potholes.


12-04-11