Joint funding will repair, replace 173 km of P.E.I. roads

Six projects repairing or building 173 kilometres of Prince Edward Island roads were the subjects of a joint federal and provincial announcement Tuesday.

These projects will improve road conditions on multiple roads across the province, with a goal of providing motorists with safe and reliable roadways for years to come.

The government of Canada is investing over $14.2 million for these projects through the Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan.

The government of Prince Edward Island is contributing over $17.5 million towards these projects.

In addition to the roads, the funding will cover replacing buried structures like culverts as well as bridge spans.

“Small rural communities – like ours here on the Island – play vitally important roles in Canada’s economy and are going to play a big part in the recovery from this pandemic,” said Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay during the virtual announcement.

“The investment we’re making today is going to improve road conditions across the province and will help to create good local jobs at a time when they’re needed most.”

“Our roads and highways are some of the most important infrastructure we have. They ensure safe travel for Islanders and visitors alike,” said James Aylward, who was sworn in as P.E.I.’s transportation minister last week.

“They help us get our products to market and our people to and from.”