HALIFAX — A feasibility study estimates it would cost Nova Scotia taxpayers more than $2 billion in initial construction costs to twin 300 kilometres of highway across the province.
The first phase of a study released today by Halifax-based engineering firm CBCL Ltd. ranks the feasibility of twinning each of eight sections of 100-series highways identified by the province.
The rankings are based on criteria such as safety, costs versus the projected revenues from tolls, and traffic volumes.
A section of Highway 103 between Tantallon and Bridgewater is top of the list, followed by a section of Highway 101 from Windsor running west.
The study used benchmark toll amounts of six to 10 cents per kilometre based on the results of a "willingness to pay" study.
Transportation Minister Geoff MacLellan says no decision has been made to move forward with twinning based on tolls.
He says that will come through consultation with the public and further data from CBCL in the final phase of its study.
