Ontario Investing $11.3 Million in Northeast Highways

Press Release

May 2, 2016

Northern Highways Program Strengthening Provincial Transportation Network

Ontario is investing in highway infrastructure in Northeastern Ontario to make travel easier and safer.

Through the Northern Highways Program, the province is investing a total of $11.3 million in four projects to:

Rehabilitate two bridges over the Jackpine and Michipicoten rivers on Highway 101 east of Wawa
Rehabilitate two bridges over the Hawk and McVeigh creeks on Highway 547 south of Hawk Junction
Rehabilitate two bridges and two culverts on Highway 539 and Highway 805 near River Valley
Replace the culvert at Jocko Creek on Highway 655 north of Timmins.

Work on all projects will begin this spring.

Improving highway infrastructure is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

QUICK FACTS

In 2016-17 Ontario is investing $550 million in highway infrastructure projects across the North through the Northern Highways Program.
Glavin Coating and Refinishing has been awarded the $400,000 Highway 101 contract, with completion expected by fall 2016.
Miller Paving Limited has been awarded the $3.69-million Highway 547 contract, with completion expected by fall 2017.
Teranorth Construction & Engineering Limited has been awarded the $2.9-million highways 539 and 805 contract, with completion expected by fall 2016.
Interpaving Limited has been awarded the $4.1-million Highway 655 contract, with completion expected by fall 2016. To reduce construction time and minimize traffic impacts a pre-cast concrete culvert will be used. MCON Pipe Products has been awarded the $275,000 culvert supply contract.
Investing in roads, highways and bridges is part of the Ontario government’s Growth Plan for Northern Ontario [pdf].

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

QUOTES

“Our government’s Northern Highways Program advances the goals of the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario by renewing and expanding modern transportation in the North. These latest investments will provide greater safety and improved driving conditions for motorists in Northeastern Ontario.”
— Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines
“Our government is investing in the critical transportation infrastructure that families and businesses in Northern Ontario rely on daily. Expanding and improving our northern highway network is necessary for helping our economy grow and creating jobs in the North, and is proof that Premier Kathleen Wynne and our government are focused on building Ontario up.”
— Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation
“Wawa is a service hub for many communities located along the secondary highways in our region. We appreciate that the province is acting to maintain our highways in good driving condition and keep our communities connected.”
— Ron Rody, Mayor, Municipality of Wawa
“Highway 655 forms a vital link for the Highway 11 communities ensuring they have reliable access to Timmins. This is critical for Timmins and our neighboring communities as we serve as a regional hub for shopping, culture, commerce, health and industrial supplies. My thanks to the province for this latest project on Highway 655.”
— Steve Black, Mayor, City of Timmins