Province invests $1.3 billion in highway infrastructure
ONTARIO—The Ontario government is investing $1.3 billion to rebuild and restore highways and bridges across the province, including the rehabilitation of two bridges on Manitoulin Island.
Minister Jeff Yurek of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) announced funding for projects that will help create jobs for Ontario’s construction industry and keep highways safe and reliable so that Ontario has a transportation network that encourages job creation, investment and trade in every region across the province.
“Our government is delivering on our commitment to be open for business and open for jobs. We are determined to improve our transportation infrastructure and create good jobs for our construction industry,” said Mr. Yurek.
Last week’s announcement confirms that the government is planning to proceed with 123 rehabilitation projects across the province.
Ontario is investing $291 million for 32 rebuild and restore projects in Northeastern Ontario. These include rehabilitation projects on highways 540 and 542 at the Indian Point Bridge and the Manitou River Bridge on Manitoulin Island.
Kristin Franks, regional issues and media advisor for the MTO Northeastern region told the Recorder, “the Indian Point Bridge on Highway 540 and the Manitou River Bridge on Highway 542 are being rehabilitated this year.”
“The Indian Point Bridge is located on Highway 540 in Gordon Township, approximately 7.7 kilometres west of Highway 540A (Airport Road). The rehabilitation will include localized repairs to the bridge deck, sidewalk, barrier walls and other structural components, as well as waterproofing/paving of the bridge deck,” explained Ms. Franks.
“The Manitou River Bridge is located on Highway 542 in Sandfield Township approximately 6.1 kilometres north of Highway 6,” said Ms. Franks. “The rehabilitation will include localized repair to the bridge deck, replacement of the barrier walls, repair to substructure components and waterproofing/paving of the bridge deck.”
“Construction on both structures is expected to start this summer and be completed later this year,” said Ms. Franks.
“As our government manages Ontario’s finances in a responsible manner, we are protecting services that matter most, including road maintenance,” Mr. Yurek said. “No matter what the service, policy, program or investment, our government puts people at the heart of our decision making. This funding is a clear example of that commitment. We are working to improve road safety for all Ontarians.”
