(February 17, 2021) – : Tony Wakeham, PC Candidate for Stephenville-Port au Port, is calling for emergency repairs to the Romaine’s River Bridge – the only point of entry for the Port au Port peninsula.

“This bridge is critical to the people of the Port au Port peninsula. There are thousands of crossings on this bridge on a daily basis. It’s shameful the bridge has fallen into this state to begin with. Now, government has to act,” said Wakeham.

The department had committed to repairs for the bridge that were due to take place over the Summer of 2020. The repairs were to take place for the immediate issues with the bridge before the bridge is fully replaced at a later date. Those interim repairs did not happen as scheduled, according to Wakeham. As a result, the bridge has fallen into further disrepair and poses a serious risk to regular and emergency traffic.

“Government may be in a caretaker mode, but that should not prevent necessary repairs from being carried out. Local transportation officials are doing their best to maintain the bridge, but more support is needed. I call upon the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to immediately take action to ensure necessary repairs are carried out for safety of all who use this bridge,” said Wakeham.

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Communications

(p) (709) 769-2216

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