$63M Trans-Labrador Highway upgrade will improve access to Red Bay

Another stretch of the Trans-Labrador Highway will soon become smoother for travellers in southern Labrador, with a move to pave a section of gravel near a popular tourist attraction.

The federal and Newfoundland and Labrador governments are together putting more than $63 million toward the project, which will cover about 160 km of gravel road with asphalt.

The latest Trans-Labrador Highway upgrade will focus on Route 510, in a stretch that runs from near the Charlottetown intersection to Red Bay.

The Red Bay National Historic Site is world-renowned because of the discovery of a Basque whaling station that dates from the 16th century.

• Land & Sea: Welcoming the World, a 2014 episode on Red Bay

Route 510 is also a connection for Battle Harbour, a refurbished fishing island that also draws visitors.

"Once complete, the project will encourage tourism in the area, save residents money on vehicle upkeep, increase driver safety, and allow businesses to import and export goods faster," the Newfoundland and Labrador government said in a statement.

The federal government is spending $31,671,750 on the paving project, while the Newfoundland and Labrador government is spending $32,221,750.