Highway 104 - Sutherlands River to Antigonish
Project Development Report
Project Description
The Highway 104 project will see 38 kilometres between Sutherlands River, Pictou County and Antigonish twinned as well as the construction of new interchanges and bridges.
The project includes:
- approximately 10 km of new, 4-lane divided highway
- 28 km of twinning existing highway
- 2 new interchanges
- 24 new bridges
- upgrading and repaving of the existing 2-lane section to like-new condition
- environmental enhancements including wildlife corridors and fencing
- The total cost of the project includes $364.3 million for construction and $196.4 million for ongoing operations and maintenance and a major upgrade of the existing stretch of highway during the 20-year operating period. Insurance, professional fees and financing and other costs make up the remainder of the total.
Background
The department is using a P3 model in which the responsibilities for designing, building, financing, operating and maintaining the highway is given to a single firm through a bidding process. It allows for the firm to control the schedule of the project and helps reduce the timeline and associated risk.
Although a P3 project, ownership remains with the province. The proponent will operate and maintain the highway for 20 years after construction is completed. That includes repairing potholes, repaving and snow removal. The proponent is also responsible for the design, construction and operation of the highway.
Total Investment: $717.9 million.