FAQ
What is the Highway 104 Project?
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 project also includes the transfer of the ongoing operations, maintenance and rehabilitation responsibilities (OM&R) for this alignment, as well as for the 9.3 km of existing divided highway between East River Road New Glasgow and Exit 27, and for the recently completed 16 km section at Antigonish to Dexter Nova Alliance (DNA). The total length of OM&R responsibility is approximately 63 kms over a concession period of twenty (20) years following construction completion.
Who is Dexter Nova Alliance?
Dexter Nova Alliance (DNA) is the consortium selected by the Nova Scotia government to design, build, finance, operate and maintain (DBFOM) the stretch of Highway 104 between Sutherlands River and Antigonish.
Dexter Nova Alliance is led by local Nova Scotia companies Dexter Construction and Nova Construction, with BBGI as an equity partner.
How long will the Highway 104 project take?
Construction started in July 2020 and is expected to be completed in 2023.
How much will it cost?
The project was awarded to DNA at $717.9 million over the lifetime of the project. The federal government is contributing $90 million to the project under the National Trade Corridors Fund.
Will local contractors be used?
Dexter Construction and Nova Construction are both proudly Nova Scotian companies. This will be a Nova Scotian highway built, for the most part, by Nova Scotians.
What is the status of the project?
Construction has commenced on the highway and the project is on schedule. DNA will commence operations and maintenance of this stretch of the highway in June 2021 and will continue until 2043.
Was an Environmental Assessment conducted for the highway expansion?
Environmental approval for the project was granted by the Minister of Environment on January 29, 2019. Attached to that approval were conditions and requirements concerning surface water; groundwater; flora and fauna; air quality, archaeological and heritage resources; public engagement; engagement with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia; and contingency plans. More information on the environmental assessment process can be found at https://novascotia.ca/nse/ea/highway-104-twinning-sutherlands-river/.