THUNDER BAY – The Ontario Government stated that “Investments under the province’s Northern Highways Program will improve the pavement condition and reduce maintenance requirements for stretches of Highway 11 and Highway 61, as well as create 169 jobs”.
“More than 20 kilometres of Highway 61 north from the Canada-US border toward Thunder Bay are being repaved. Pioneer Construction has been awarded the $9.7-million contract. Work has begun, with completion scheduled for 2015”.
The work has created some traffic jams along the highway. The other day people were stuck in traffic when trying to get home for up to two hours along Highway 61 near the turn-off to Fort William First Nation and Mountain Road.
More than 16 kilometres of Highway 11 east of Atikokan, including Highway 11B, are being repaved. Pioneer Construction has been awarded the $7.2-million contract. Work will begin shortly, with completion scheduled for 2015.
Investing in roads, highways and bridges is part of the government’s plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.
“Improving the transportation network in the region continues to be an important part of the government’s plan to strengthen the economy here in the Northwest. Our government’s investment into our northern highways continues to improve safety for all who travel our roads,” commented Bill Mauro, MPP Thunder Bay-Atikokan.
QUICK FACTS
– Since 2003, the Ontario government has invested $4.6 billion in northern highways.
– Since 2003, the province has improved 3,969 kilometres of highway and 255 bridges, and constructed 543 kilometres of new four-lane highway along with 121 new bridges throughout Northern Ontario.