Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This program is ongoing and has been for many years since the transfer of the highways from the federal government. The purpose of the program is to ensure the existing bridge structures on the system are properly repaired and maintained to protect them for the long term. Normally, bridges are intended to last sixty plus years.

The scope of work for 2000-2001 specifically requested through the interim is on two specific projects. On Highway No. 5, on kilometre 55 at the Buffalo River Bridge, we are proceeding with deck rehabilitation and some bearing repairs, which will preserve the structure for the long term. Deck rehabilitation, typically speaking to the wearing deck, which often spoils and the concrete starts to wear off and needs to be rehabilitated. The bearings, which we do not see, are the points where the bridge super structure actually sits on the abutments.

The second project under this interim bill request is for Highway No. 1, the Trout River Bridge, kilometre 324. In that location, the bridge rails need to be replaced. They do not meet up to bridge code standard. The new concrete approach slabs and some guard rail replacements, which is a safety issue for operation of the structure. Those two projects will proceed subject to approval of the interim. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.