It's an old idea that's having some new life breathed into it - the proposal of a tunnel across the Strait of Belle Isle.

This time, it's not only local people who like the idea, but a new political player on the Newfoundland scene who wants to see it built as well.

People can see across the Strait on a clear day ... 16 kilometres from one side to the other. Incoming Tory leader, Danny Williams, says a tunnel across the Strait, a fixed link, must be built.

Just 16 kilometres separate Labrador and island

For about 8 months of the year, a ferry crosses the Strait, but after that, people have to fly into the region. Engineer, Tom Kierans, believes in the project. He pictures a tunnel that will carry traffic and hydro power to the island.

"If you talk to Bill Wells from Hydro, he only knows where the power for Newfoundland is coming from for the next eight years. He doesn't know where it's coming from after that."

The tunnel isn't the only transportation issue in Labrador. The trans-Labrador highway hasn't yet been linked to the coast. Liberal MHA, Yvonne Jones, says that poses a problem.

Tory leader - Danny Williams

"I want to make sure those current issues, those most pressing issues in transportation is what tops government's agenda. Without that, a tunnel is of little or no benefit."

It's estimated a tunnel will cost 1-billion dollars, but no one really knows, since a study hasn't yet been carried out. And who pays? Some suggest users; others that the federal government should help.

Danny Williams is making the project a priority and he tells Labradorians they can have both the tunnel and a proper road system.

"It will be six, seven or eight years. Roads can be moving at the same time, it can all be done in seven years."

There was one previous attempt to put a tunnel across the Strait. The Moores government started one in 1975. It was abandoned after 75-million dollars were spent. The backers of the latest concept are determined to avoid that fate.