News Release

Construction on Highway 11/17 Begins

July 31, 2009

McGuinty Government Improving Road Safety, Boosting Local Economy

NEWS   

Improvements to a 1.4 kilometre section of Highway 11/17 near Pearl Lake will reduce traffic accidents and promote economic development and job creation in the region.

The first phase of construction involves grading and drainage work to better align the highway. This work is expected to be complete later this year and create 25 jobs.

A second contract for this project is scheduled to be awarded next spring. Part of the Northern Highways Program, this initiative will strengthen highway linkages in the region.  

QUOTES

“By investing in the improvement of vital transportation infrastructure like Highway 11/17 we are promoting economic development and job creation throughout the region.”
- Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.

“This highway improvement will generate construction jobs and support economic growth in Northern Ontario.”
- Jim Bradley, Minister of Transportation.

QUICK FACTS

• The $2.7 million contract has been awarded to Sigfusson Northern Ltd.
• In 2009-10, the government is investing a record $648 million in the Northern Highways Program for highway rehabilitation, expansion and safety improvements.
• Investments in Northern Ontario’s highway infrastructure this year will create an estimated 4,700 jobs.
  

LEARN MORE

• Find out about highway initiatives in Northwestern Ontario.
• Read the Ontario government’s five-year investment plan for highway construction in Northern Ontario. 
  

Anne-Marie Flanagan, Minister’s Office, 416-327-0655
Tom Marcolini, Programs & Transportation, 705-945-5836   

ontario.ca/north-news

142, NHP