The province will invest $527 million in 2014 to support highway rehabilitation and expansion projects across the North.
"Our government is delivering on our commitment to increase funding for transportation infrastructure in Northern Ontario ?through the Northern Highways Program because we recognize the importance of modern and efficient infrastructure,” Sault Ste. Marie MPP David Orazietti said in a release. “This significant investment will support economic growth and job creation in our region and enhance road safety for Northern drivers."?
Key projects include the continued four-laning of Highway 11 17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon, with 20 kilometres already completed and another 17 kilometres under construction; approved funding for the expansion of an additional 16 kilometres of Highway 11/17, with contracts to be tendered in fall 2014; and the continued expansion of Highway 69 between Parry Sound and Sudbury, with 20 kilometres currently under construction.
Provincial investments in the Northern Highways Program support over 5,000 jobs annually and make travel safer and more efficient for residents, visitors and industry.
Since 2003, the Ontario Liberal government has invested more than $5 billion across Northern Ontario to repair and expand bridges and highways. The province’s record investments in the transportation infrastructure network have resulted in over 4,700 kilometres of new or repaired provincial highways in the North.
