Galway interchange will be completed this fall, says minister

One of the most high-profile road projects in eastern Newfoundland, the Galway interchange, will be completed before the end of this construction season,says the minister of transportation and works.

"They're continuing full steam ahead and we're hoping to have that road open and finished by the late fall of this year," said Fred Hutton.

When the $10.3-million contract was awarded to Farrell's Excavating in late 2022, the department estimated that two construction seasons would be needed to complete the work.

Hutton said the project is on schedule, and on budget.

But for many weeks this summer, the site was unusually quiet.

That changed in recent days, however.

"There's a lot of activity going on at the Galway interchange. They'reactually pouring the concrete today [Wednesday]for the headwall," said Hutton.

The interchange will improve the flow of traffic in and out of the Galway development and ease congestion on Pitts Memorial Drive.

It's a unique circumstance because Farrell's business is located a stone's throw from the project. The contractor made some big progress on the interchange last year, despite a bitter feud with a neighbouring construction company that boiled over when a backhoe was used to tear down a security gate.

Contractor Billy Farrell, who was outspoken during last year's controversy, has been low-key, but the minister downplays any talk of a rift.

"They're hustling as quickly as they can. We got a great relationship with this contractor," said Hutton.

• Farrell's halts construction on Galway interchange amid tense feud with rival

Hutton said there was some back-and-forth with the contractor this year over what he called technical issues, including aspecial bridge liner that was leaking.

"When you're dealing with huge contracts and so many of them, there are going to be issues. Farrell's? They've got a great team. We've got a great team here at Transportation and Infrastructure. When any problem comes up with this contractor or anyone we work through them," he said.

Passing motorists have barely noticed, however, because they can speed by the site along an impressive four-lane diversion, which will eventually be removed when the overpass, ramps and a new roundabout are complete.

Download ourfree CBC News appto sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador.Click here to visit our landing page.