The Nova Scotia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal in Canada has opened the first phase of Highway 104 Antigonish Bypass.

The stretch runs from Addington Forks Road to Beech Hill Road and includes 7.5km of four-lane divided highway with two lanes in each direction.

Investment for construction work of the first phase is estimated at $76m, of which the Canadian government offered funds of $25m with the remaining provided by Nova Scotia province.

Construction of first section of the highway eases traffic movement, allowing travellers to reach their destination faster. Work on this section commenced in 2009.

Nova Scotia Minister of National Defense Peter MacKay said that the ongoing work on Highway 104, including around Antigonish and at Sutherlands River, provides thousands of jobs.

"As the work continues on phase 2 it’s great to have phase 1 complete, making travel safer and more convenient," he added.

On 31 August 2012, Canada and Nova Scotia governments launched the project’s second phase.

Phase 2, which is estimated to cost $88.4m, involves construction of 8km of four-lane divided highway with two lanes in each direction, between Beech Hill Road and Taylor Road.

The final section of the highway project is expected to be completed by 2015.

Highway 104 is an important link in the Trans-Canada Highway system and a vital route for the people of the province.

Construction of Highway 104 Antigonish Bypass is a part of the government’s strategy to strengthen infrastructure across the country.