To support a stronger economy and ensure infrastructure projects serve the best interests of residents, the Provincial Government will use a traditional procurement approach for twinning two sections of the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH).
Last August, a request for proposals (RFP) was issued for a public-private partnership (P3) model covering design, construction, financing, and maintenance. That RFP has now been cancelled. Instead, qualified companies will be invited to bid on separate contracts that will be awarded progressively, similar to other projects under the annual provincial Roads Plan. This approach will create more opportunities for local contractors to compete for this significant road work.
By using more traditional construction methods, government will fund the work as construction progresses.
The $306 million highway twinning project is a 50-50 cost-shared initiative with the Government of Canada under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The TCH is part of the National Highway System, a federal designation for a strategic network of highways and freeways.
The project includes:
- Central Region: 15 kilometres between Bishop’s Falls and Grand Falls-Windsor
- Avalon Peninsula: Approximately 40 kilometres from Whitbourne heading west
Twinning these sections will increase traffic capacity, improve safety by separating opposing lanes, and strengthen year-round transportation links. It will also enhance reliability, support rural communities and improve climate resilience.
Planning for the various phases of the project will begin in the new year, with construction anticipated to start in 2026. The new government is committed to investing in key infrastructure priorities, including health care, education, municipal projects and roads.
Quotes
“By taking the traditional procurement approach and dividing the work into multiple contracts, there will be more opportunities for local contractors. Our government is committed to responsible investment and long-term planning that prioritizes people today while securing the province’s future.”
Honourable Barry Petten
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
“We are pleased with the government’s decision to remove the P3 model from the upcoming highway twinning project and look forward to seeing more decisions like this moving forward. NAPE has previously raised concerns regarding the P3 model approach, and we see this as a positive step in the right direction by this government.”
Jerry Earle
President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees
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2025 12 18
1:25 pm