The Official Opposition is calling on the provincial government to urgently review and improve highway maintenance on Route 480, the Burgeo Highway, following growing concerns from residents about deteriorating road conditions and public safety.
MHA for Burgeo–La Poile, Michael King, has written to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Barry Petten, urging immediate action to address the worsening state of the only highway connecting Burgeo and surrounding communities to the rest of Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Route 480 is more than just a highway, it is a lifeline for the people of Burgeo–La Poile,” says MHA King. “The condition of this road puts people’s safety at risk, delays access to emergency medical care, disrupts businesses, and isolates entire communities.”
After recently travelling the highway during heavy rain and wind, King says the condition of the road reinforced what residents have been reporting for months.
“I experienced firsthand the challenges people are facing every day. Residents continue to tell me about vehicles being damaged because of the condition of the highway. If these issues are not addressed, the consequences could be far more serious than damaged vehicles.”
Among the options proposed are contracting private operators to supplement highway maintenance or allowing depot employees to remain overnight in Burgeo to reduce response times. The Official Opposition also highlights concerns that current operating policies are preventing crews from spending adequate time repairing the worst sections of the highway, particularly the stretch between the 90-degree turn and Lloyd’s River.
“The people of Burgeo–La Poile should never have to question whether they can safely travel to work, attend medical appointments, transport goods, or respond to emergencies because basic highway maintenance isn’t getting done,” says MHA King. “Residents deserve the same level of service and commitment as every other region of the province.”
The Official Opposition is requesting that the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure conduct an urgent review of the current maintenance plan for Route 480 and provide a clear timeline for both immediate repairs and long-term improvements.
MHA King has also invited Minister Petten and departmental officials to travel Route 480 to see the conditions firsthand and work collaboratively toward a solution that ensures safe, reliable travel for the people of Burgeo–La Poile.
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