80 New Jobs result of Two New Bridges Part Of Highway 11/17 Expansion
McGuinty Government Creates Jobs, Invests In Highway Infrastructure Near Thunder Bay
June 10, 2010
Bridge replacement on Hwy 17.
Construction of two new bridges as part of the Highway 11/17 expansion east of Thunder Bay will result in new economic activity and job creation; they are part of the Open Ontario plan to create jobs and opportunities in Northern Ontario..
The bridges are being built across the Mackenzie River in the Municipality of Shuniah, accommodating two eastbound and two westbound lanes of traffic. Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry felt these bridges were necessary elements in regional highway expansions “These new bridges are two critical elements in the expansion of the Highway 11/17 corridor between Thunder Bay and Nipigon.” said Gravelle.
This bridge work is creating more than 80 jobs in the region. The bridges will be open to traffic once the expansion of the highway between Birch Beach and Mackenzie Station Road is completed in about three years.
“The Province’s ongoing long-term infrastructure investments in expanding highways throughout Northern Ontario will continue to lay the foundation for future economic growth.” said Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Transportation
QUICK FACTS
- TeraNorth Construction of Sudbury was awarded the $12-million contract.
- Construction on two four-lane projects will begin later this year on Highway 11/17; a six-kilometre stretch from Hodder Avenue to Highway 527 and a 14-kilometre section from west of Mackenzie Station Road to Birch Beach Rd.
- The recent Ontario Budget committed $773 million to northern highway rehabilitation and expansion in 2010-2011.
