Lots of road work going on this summer

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION

Ontario is creating 786 jobs and improving vital highway infrastructure in northeastern Ontario with key investments under the Northern Highways Program.

The improvements include:

• Repaving 51.3 kilometres, rehabilitating the Tedder River bridge and replacing three structural culverts on Highway 631 north of White River. Pioneer Construction has been awarded the $16.7-million contract. Work has begun with completion scheduled for December 2014.

• Repaving 12.3 kilometres, rehabilitating the Kaibuskong River bridge and extending passing lanes on Highway 17 east of North Bay. Aecon Construction has been awarded the $15.3-million contract. Work has begun, with completion scheduled for November 2015.  The federal government is cost-sharing with Ontario on this project through the Building Canada Fund - major infrastructure component.

• Repaving 17.3 kilometres and replacing the Johnson Creek culvert on Highway 17 west of Bruce Mines. Pioneer Construction has been awarded the $10.4-million contract. Work has begun with completion scheduled for fall 2014.

• Repaving 21.9 kilometres, rehabilitating the Moose Creek bridge and replacing a structural culvert on Highway 65 east of New Liskeard to the Ontario-Quebec border. Miller Paving has been awarded the $9.8-million contract. Work has begun with completion scheduled for fall 2015.

• Repaving 26.7 kilometres on Highway 11 in the Marten River area. Aecon Construction has been awarded the $9.5-million contract. Work has begun with completion scheduled for November 2014.

• Replacing the Valentine River bridge on Highway 11 west of Hearst. Miller Paving has been awarded the $7.7-million contract. Work has begun with completion scheduled for fall 2015.

• Replacing the Meadow Creek culvert on Highway 11 south of Iroquois Falls. Belanger Construction has been awarded the $4.7-million contract. Work has begun with completion scheduled for November 2014.

• Rehabilitating the Goulais River bridge on Highway 532 and rehabilitating the Harmony River and Chippewa River culverts on Highway 17 north of Sault Ste. Marie. Teranorth Construction has been awarded the $4.5-million contract. Work has begun with completion scheduled for fall 2014.

Investing in roads, highways and bridges is part of the government's plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.

QUICK FACTS

• Since 2003, the Ontario government has invested $4.6 billion in northern highways.

• Since 2003, the province has improved 3,969 kilometres of highway and 255 bridges, and constructed 543 kilometres of new four-lane highway along with 121 new bridges throughout Northern Ontario.

LEARN MORE

• Growth Plan for Northern Ontario

• Ontario’s five-year investment plan for highway construction in Northern Ontario.

• Get up-to-date construction reports on major highways by calling the Ministry of Transportation’s road information line toll-free at 1-800-268-4686 or by dialing 511.

QUOTES

"Local residents, visitors and industries benefit from the expansion and improvement of vital transportation links undertaken through our Northern Highways Program. I am proud of the significant progress we have made to improve our roads and bridges. It is part of our vision for a stronger economy. I am pleased that our government will continue to ensure these investments remain a priority, especially in Northern Ontario."

— Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines

"This announcement signifies our government's commitment to improving infrastructure across the province, which creates jobs and strengthens our economy. Projects such as these will help ensure our roads and bridges are safe and in good condition for years to come."

— Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation

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