Transportation Minister Barry Petten admits he was startled to see how road construction costs have ballooned over the last six years.

Petten says his government became aware of the issue when the PCs took over from the Liberals – learning that the cost of paving projects in Newfoundland and Labrador has doubled since 2019.

Petten told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly that he understands that the cost of labour and materials has increased, but he believes the current costs are too high. They’re trying to find a way to get those costs down.

He says the cost has gone from roughly $300,000 per km to $600,000 over that length of time. “I got to try to find a way how we can work with (road construction companies) to get better pricing.” Petten says he’s considering bigger tenders as an option.