Highway 11 four-laning project moving forward

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

********************

A major step towards completing the four-laning of Highway 11 is being taken with the award of a construction contract by the Ontario government through the Northern Highways Program. This project involves construction of 10 kilometres of four-lane highway between Burks Falls and Sundridge from Berriedale Road northerly to Brookside/Valley View Road.

The new four-lane highway will connect to the South River/Sundridge By-Pass section currently under construction to the north. Carillion Canada of Toronto began construction in January with completion scheduled for the fall of 2011.

“With our government’s ongoing commitment and investments, the expansion of Highway 11 is on track for completion by 2012,” said Nipissing MPP Monique Smith.

“Ontario’s investments in the Highway 11 corridor are part of a made-in-Ontario infrastructure plan that is creating jobs in the short term and building a foundation for growth in the future,” said Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle.

“Providing Northern Ontario communities with efficient transportation infrastructure will encourage economic growth,” said Transportation Minister Jim Bradley.

“The benefits associated with the four-laning of Highway 11 cannot be overstated. This is a great announcement for the City of North Bay and all northern Ontario communities,” said Sean Lawlor, President of the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce. “We are very appreciative that the provincial government has remained committed to completing this essential transportation link, which will most certainly enhance our competitiveness as a region.

QUICK FACTS

- The value of this contract award is $69,326,000.

- Of the 41 kilometres of two-lane Highway 11 remaining between North Bay and Huntsville, 36 kilometres are now under construction. Engineering and property acquisition are underway for the final five kilometres (Burk’s Falls Bypass).

********************