Northern Highway Project to Include Innovative Design For Nipigon River Bridge
New Ontario Government Creating Jobs, Building a Stronger Northern Economy
The construction of a new cable-stayed bridge along the Highway 11-17 expansion east of Thunder Bay will make travel easier and safer for families and businesses while strengthening tourism and the economy in the north.
This first of its kind bridge in Ontario will have four-lanes for traffic as well as a walkway for pedestrians. The construction of this bridge will begin this summer.
“Our government understands the importance of our commitment to expanding and improving highway infrastructure. We are ensuring the overall efficiency of the network and driver safety across the north while promoting economic development and job creation.” Glen Murray, Minister of Infrastructure, Minister of Transportation
Investing in roads, highways and bridges is part of the new Ontario government’s Growth Plan for Northern Ontario. A strong northern economy creates good jobs and generates more opportunities for young people and Aboriginal Ontarians.
“Thanks to the Northern Highways Program, the expansion of the Highway 11-17 corridor will continue with this exciting project. The Nipigon River Bridge will not only be a vital link for traffic on this expanded part of the TransCanada Highway, but will also be a landmark structure that will become a destination attraction in its own right.” Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines
QUICK FACTS
- A cable-stayed bridge consists of one or more towers with cables supporting the bridge dec.
- A six-kilometre stretch of four-lane divided highway on this corridor between Hodder Avenue and Highway 527 was completed in September 2012.
- Another 14-kilometre section of Highway 11-17 from Mackenzie Road to Birch Beach is currently under construction.
- Since 2003, Ontario has invested more than $4.5 billion in northern highways.
- Since 2003, Ontario has improved 2,560 kilometres of highway and 185 bridges. This includes 105 kilometres of new four-lane highway and 115 new bridges across Northern Ontario.
RELATED LINKS
- Attracting Investment To Nipigon (FEB.28.2013)
- Read the Ontario government’s five-year investment plan for highway construction in Northern Ontario.
- Get up-to-date construction reports on major highways. Call the ministry’s road information line
- toll-free at 1-800-268-4686.
