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(NC)*Say the word "ship," and the first thing that comes to mind is an image of a boat. But say the acronym "SHIP," and now you're talking about improving our national highways, making border crossings more efficient, upgrading intersections, refitting bridges and making our national road system safer and more efficient.

The Government of Canada Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program * or SHIP * is a $600 million program working with the provinces and territories to identify those parts of our national highway system which * because of growing traffic and increasing trade * need immediate attention.

Highway improvements from coast to coast represent a big part of SHIP expenditures. For example, a new 23 metre long single-span bridge will replace the existing one crossing the Pinette River near Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. A five-kilometre stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway from Woodstock to Pokiok in New Brunswick will be "twinned," from two into four lanes during the coming year. A similar project will also twin 50 kilometres of Alberta's Highway 43 from Greencourt to Glenevis.

SHIP is also responsive to the infrastructure needs of individual communities. For example, because there are few highways in Nunavut, SHIP projects in the territory are focused on air transportation. Construction of new air terminal buildings in Gjoa Haven and Pond Inlet will help these communities handle the growth and increased travel demands both have experienced.

Improvements delivered through the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP) will result in a safer and more efficient highway system for all Canadians.

For more information on SHIP, and Government of Canada highway improvement programs in your area, visit http://www.tc.gc.ca.

- News Canada