Highway Construction Wraps Up in Northwestern Ontario
Ontario Government Creating Jobs, Building Modern Infrastructure
The Ontario government has made major improvements to highways, roads and bridges in Northwestern Ontario, creating 5,500 construction jobs and ensuring safer, more convenient rides for families and businesses.
Over the course of the 2013 construction season, crews:
- Began construction on the new Nipigon River Bridge
- Resurfaced 28 kilometres of westbound Highway 11 from Highway 580
- Reconstructed more than 48 kilometres of Highway 527
- Resurfaced Highway 614 south of Manitouwadge
- Resurfaced Highway 17 east of Terrace Bay
- Resurfaced Highway 72 and 516 at Sioux Lookout
- Replaced bridges, including Little Wabigoon River, Melgund River, Nugget Creek, Bug River, Beaver Creek and Big Firesteel bridges
Work also continues on:
- The four-laning of Highway 11-17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon
- The reconstruction of the Noden Causeway near Fort Frances
Improving highways, roads and bridges is part of the Ontario government’s economic plan to invest in people, invest in modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.
“By continuing to invest in the expansion and improvement of vital transportation links, our government is helping to create or sustain thousands of good jobs for northerners. This year was certainly another successful year for the Northern Highways Program as our government continues to provide greater safety and improved roadways for families across Northwestern Ontario, as well as visitors and businesses alike.” Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario is investing $2.2 billion to build and repair provincial highways and bridges across the province this year.
- More than 20,000 jobs were created or sustained across Ontario during this year’s construction season.
- Northern Ontario has more than 11,000 kilometres of provincial highway.
- Ontario uses new technology and greener construction practices whenever possible, including recycling existing pavement, using recycled and shredded tires for bridge embankment fill, and rapid bridge replacement, which can reduce a year of traffic delays down to two days.
LEARN MORE
- Learn about the Ontario government’s Growth Plan for Northern Ontario.
- Read the government’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.
- Building Together, Ontario’s long-term infrastructure plan
