Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide Members and the public with an update on the status of construction on the Deh Cho Bridge Project.
This project has had its share of challenges, but these challenges have been effectively addressed. As a result, I am pleased to note that the project is now 50 percent complete, with the recent completion of the foundation work. The bridge contractor, Ruskin Construction, has completed installing the pier bents and is now in the process of removing the temporary bridge. The bridge project is now “out of the water,” leaving behind the highest risk component of the entire project.
We have a reviewed and approved design of the bridge superstructure. This cable-stayed bridge, which has been designed to accommodate barging traffic on the river, will be impressive once constructed. It will provide a clearance of 23 metres for river traffic, with towers that will reach over 45 metres in the air. The new design is also more conventional, simpler to construct and at a more reasonable price. The new design will ensure that the bridge will serve us well for its entire expected lifespan of 75 years.
This project is on track for completion by November of 2011, one year later than originally planned. We now have a general contractor, Ruskin Construction, who has teamed up with capable subcontractors to complete the bridge construction over the next 20 months. Work on the bridge superstructure is already underway, with the purchase of the steel and the production of the shop drawings for fabrication of the truss and deck. This summer the contractor will complete the construction of the abutments for both approaches, and this fall the contractor will begin to launch the truss itself.
We also have a new project management team in place, led by Associated Engineering. This team is already on site working to ensure an orderly transition for engineering oversight of the construction.
The Government of the Northwest Territories and our partner, the Deh Cho Bridge Corporation, have risen above the challenges with which we have been presented. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the community of Fort Providence for their dream of constructing this bridge. Without their determination it is doubtful that this project would be entering the final phase of construction. While there have been challenges on this project, we all look forward to the economic development opportunities that will come from the bridge. I am optimistic that we can successfully define a new partnership arrangement with the community as we move forward.
The benefits of construction of this bridge have been outlined on many occasions in the past. It was these benefits that resulted in the support for proceeding with this project from my colleagues in this House and I thank you for that support. These benefits include all-weather road access to and from the North Slave region 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year. The bridge will result in economic benefits to the NWT from more efficient trucking operations and more reliability in deliveries for businesses. More competition can also be expected as the risks associated with freight transportation over a ferry and ice crossing system is reduced. And let us not forget the environmental and safety risks. The risk of fuel spills will be substantially reduced once a permanent bridge is in place. Idling vehicles waiting for the ferry will also be a thing of the past. The need for approximately half a million litres of fuel currently being used by the Merv Hardie will be eliminated.
We are looking to the future of the Deh Cho Bridge Project with a great deal of confidence. A key piece of infrastructure will be put in place without sacrificing the financial future of the NWT. The completion of the bridge will be a significant achievement for the government and people of the Northwest Territories. In less than two years this will be a reality.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.
