GLENWOOD, Nfld. – Works, Services and Transportation Minister Jim Walsh officially opened the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, located on the Trans- Canada Highway between the communities of Glenwood and Appleton. Government began construction of the bridge in 2001 and completed the structure last week. The new $6.26 million bridge was funded under the Roads for Rails Agreement. The original bridge was built in 1953.

“We continuously strive to provide motorists in this province with a safe and efficient transportation infrastructure and this new bridge will do just that,” said Walsh.

“We have incorporated a pedestrian underpass and a school bus turnaround into this project and the bridge itself is bigger and better able to handle traffic demands.”

The previous structure consisted of two 3.66 metre wide (12 foot) driving lanes, for a total driving width of 7.4 metres.

The new bridge has driving lane widths of 3.75 metres and a 1.5 metre paved shoulder for a total two-lane driving width of 10.5 metres (34 feet).