Nova Scotia Redirects $60 Million to Accelerate Highway Repaving Across 10 Routes
The Nova Scotia government is reallocating approximately $60 million from underspent capital projects to repave 60 kilometres of major highways. The accelerated work follows an auditor general's report criticizing past project selection methods, prompting debate between the governing party and the NDP over transparency.
The Nova Scotia government is redirecting approximately $60 million from underspent capital projects to accelerate highway repairs across the province. The funding will cover 60 kilometres of roadway spanning 10 different stretches on major commercial and commuter routes, extending from Cape Breton to the Annapolis Valley and through central Nova Scotia.
The decision to accelerate the repaving work follows a report from the auditor general last month that found previous highway projects were not backed by evidence-based data and did not follow a consistent approach to selection.
Minister of Public Works Fred Tilley stated that the repairs target widely travelled roads and will benefit both commercial and economic development. Tilley reported that many of the projects are already underway and making good progress due to mild fall weather, with the bulk of the work expected to be completed by the end of the season.
Specific sections being repaved include Highway 105 near Port Hastings and Baddeck; Highway 101 at Mount Uniacke, Hantsport, and Annapolis Royal; Highway 102 in Enfield; Highway 103 in Tantallon; and Highway 104 at Mount Thom and Bible Hill. Individual stretch lengths range from 2.7 kilometres to 11.1 kilometres.
NDP Leader Claudia Chender acknowledged the need for road improvements but criticized the lack of clarity regarding how investment decisions were made based on facts. While the government maintains the projects are necessary and beneficial, the opposition has raised concerns about transparency in how specific roads were selected for investment.
The accelerated repaving is part of a broader five-year highway plan. Earlier this year, the province announced $161 million for the resurfacing of roads and highways.