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Eddie Joyce, Opposition Transportation and Works Critic and MHA for the
District of Bay of Islands, is once again calling upon government to
undertake significant road work in the Bay of Islands to address treacherous
driving conditions in the area. "The roads in the Bay of Islands are in
terrible condition," said Mr. Joyce. "I wrote the former minister of
transportation and works three times regarding trouble sections in my
district, but the minister refused to meet with me or address these issues.
I have also written the new minister requesting a meeting, and I am hopeful
that he will take the time to examine these issues. Departmental officials
in the area are aware of the problems that exist, however, they are not
being given the resources or funds to address these dangerous sections of
road.
"The roads in the community of McIvers remain in terrible condition. I
cannot understand why government refuses to fix such a serious safety hazard
for the people of the Bay of Islands. School starts in a couple of weeks and
busses will be forced to travel over this section of highway. The dangers
that are present on this section of road are inviting an accident to happen.
If this is not fixed, there is the potential of a serious tragedy.
"Government has also neglected to fix the rock walls on the south shore
of the Bay of Islands. Rocks are overflowing these baskets and falling
directly onto the highway. Two accidents have already taken place and rocks
are commonly seen in the middle of the road. I fear that a more serious
accident may take place unless the proper investment is made to repair these
safety walls and clean out the rocks that are currently behind the baskets.
"In addition, the layoff of maintenance workers is having a significant
impact in my district. This year, lines have not been painted on the roads
and general maintenance has not taken place. This work is usually completed
by summer maintenance workers, but is obviously not being completed with the
cutbacks that have taken place. There also has not been a brush cutting
program and tree growth is now overflowing onto the highway in several
areas.
"Very little if any road work has taken place throughout the Bay of
Islands since 2003. I have made representation to the Department of
Transportation and Works several times and the communities on both sides of
the Bay of Islands have written the minister regarding their safety
concerns. Unfortunately, none of us have received a response from the
minister. Government is well aware of the safety issues that exist in the
Bay of Islands, and I hope these problems will be fixed before a tragic
accident takes place."
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