(August 10, 2022) – Barry Petten, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Transportation and Infrastructure and MHA for Conception Bay South, says it’s shocking to learn an independent contractor was forced to take action to pave the Terra Nova Road due to years of government neglect.

“The Terra Nova Road was voted the worst road in Atlantic Canada in 2022 and 2021, yet received zero attention from government. Now, a local contractor in Clarenville was forced to take it upon themselves and pave approximately one kilometer of the road to be able to safely operate a quarry in the area,” said Petten.

“It’s a sad state of affairs when contractors must take it upon themselves to get the road paved, when government sits on its hands and does not provide a contract to fix the worst road in the entire Atlantic region. The Minister needs to explain why the road was neglected and why no contract was provided to do the work.”

Lloyd Parrott, MHA for Terra Nova, says government has been well aware of the issues with the Terra Nova road for years, yet refused to take action.

“The sheer volume of emails, phone calls, petitions, and conversations I’ve had with Ministers and department staff about the state of the Terra Nova Road means the Liberal government is well aware of this issue. Yet, they refused to take action,” said Parrott.

“New pavement is welcome, but it’s clear the Liberal government simply is not prioritizing the roads that need care and it’s forcing contractors to take on this work by themselves. It’s shameful that it’s come to this and I expect an explanation of the situation from the Minister.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca