Ontario highway repair bill to top $500 million this year

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

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Provincial Investments in Northern Highways Program Support Road Safety, Economic Growth

The province is moving forward with its commitment to expand and improve highways in Northern Ontario with an investment of $527 million this year to support highway rehabilitation and expansion projects across the North announced David Orazietti, MPP.

"Our government is delivering on our commitment to increase funding for transportation infrastructure in Northern Ontario ‎through the Northern Highways Program because we recognize the importance of modern and efficient infrastructure,” said Orazietti. “This significant investment will support economic growth and job creation in our region and enhance road safety for Northern drivers."


Provincial investments in the Northern Highways Program support over 5,000 jobs annually and make travel safer and more efficient for residents, visitors and industry.

Since 2003, the Ontario Liberal government has invested more than $5 billion across Northern Ontario to repair and expand bridges and highways, including over $9.4 million for highway infrastructure in Sault Ste. Marie.

The province’s record investments in the transportation infrastructure network have resulted in over 4,700 kilometers of new or repaired provincial highways in the North.

Orazietti has twice before introduced Private Member’s Bills, in 2006 and 2011, to expand and improve the quality of Highway 17 through the creation of additional passing lanes, paved shoulders, rumble strips, rest stops and expanded 4-laning.