![Nipigon Bridge](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/nipigonbridge.jpg)
THUNDER BAY – Michael Gravelle states, ““Our government continues to make real progress as we expand the highway 11/17 corridor. Earlier this year, I was thrilled to open the newly completed stretch of 11/17 between Mackenzie Station and Birch Beach as well as announce that construction is underway on the new Nipigon River Bridge. This study is yet another step towards making travel easier and safer for residents of Northwestern Ontario, businesses, and visitors alike.”
The contract has been awarded to URS Canada Incorporated, the Richmond Ontario based company.
The province has awarded a contract for a preliminary design study and environmental assessment that will identify improvements on a 13-kilometre section of Highway 11/17 between Arthur Street and Balsam Street. Improvements will include widening to a four-lane divided roadway and building new interchanges. The study is expected to be complete by 2015.
“Today’s announcement is a significant and necessary step forward regarding expressway safety in Thunder Bay. Our community will have an opportunity to provide their input during the course of this preliminary design study. Once complete, the Government of Ontario will be positioned to move ahead with the recommendations,” said Bill Mauro, MPP Thunder Bay-Atikokan
Fast Facts
The contract was awarded to URS Canada Incorporated.
Ontario has committed to invest more than $35 billion in infrastructure across the province over the next three years, which will support an average of more than 100,000 jobs each year.
Since 2003, more than $100 million has been invested on numerous improvements along the Thunder Bay Expressway.
Since 2003, the Ontario government has improved 3,624 kilometres of highway and 212 bridges, constructed 524 kilometres of new highway and 121 new bridges in Northern Ontario.