Ontario is investing in northern highway infrastructure from Sudbury to Parry Sound to make travel easier and safer.
Through Ontario's Northern Highways Program,the province is investing $173.4 million to four-lane a section of Highway 69 between Sudbury and Parry Sound. Work will begin this winter to four-lane 14 kilometres from just north of Highway 607 to just north of Highway 522. Work will include building two new interchanges and 10 new bridges, including four major structures over the Pickerel and French rivers.
In 2015, nine kilometres of four-laning on Highway 69 opened to traffic between the Murdock River and Highway 64.
This new section of Highway 69 will join the 11 kilometres of four-laning currently under construction between highways 64 and 607 that are expected to open later this year.
The province has awarded the $173.4-million contract to J & P Leveque Bros Haulage Limited, with completion expected in 2020.
With this latest project, the province has invested more than $770 million since 2003 to expand 59 kilometres of Highway 69 and promote economic growth in Northeastern Ontario.
"This latest project brings us closer to the ambitious goal of four-laning the entire length of highway between Sudbury and Parry Sound, with all of the associated benefits in terms of increased safety and commerce." — Glenn Thibeault, MPP for Sudbury.
This project is part of the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario's history -- more than $134 billion over 10 years, which is making 110,000 jobs possible every year across Ontario, with projects such as roads, bridges, transit systems, schools and hospitals. In the last six months of 2015, the province announced support for nearly 200 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life.
"I am pleased that our government continues to invest in expanding vital transportation corridors in the North, such as Highway 69 and Highway 11/17, to support the vigorous economic development efforts of northern communities, businesses and industry." — Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines.
Investing in highway infrastructure is part of the government's 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 people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province's history, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
"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.
Investing in roads, highways and bridges is part of the Ontario government’s Growth Plan for Northern Ontario.
In 2015-16 Ontario is investing $560-million in highway infrastructure projects across the North through the Northern Highways.