News Release: Government announces project to build two truck climbing lanes on Highway 7

For Immediate Release
August 21, 2000

Government announces project to build two truck climbing lanes on Highway 7

WHITBY - The award of a $8.4-million project to upgrade 11 kilometres of Highway 7, including construction of two truck climbing lanes, was announced today by Transportation Minister David Turnbull, the Honourable Janet Ecker, MPP for Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge and the Honourable Jim Flaherty, MPP for Whitby-Ajax.

"In an increasingly global economy, good highways truly are roads to prosperity," said Turnbull. "The Ontario government continues to invest in safe and efficient highways to support jobs and growth across Ontario."

This is part of $37.2 million in highway construction projects announced by Turnbull today.

The contract was awarded to Miewel Construction Limited of Stouffville. The project is for resurfacing and intersection improvements on Highway 7 from Highway 12 at Brooklin westerly to Brougham (Sideline Road 16). Work also includes construction of two truck climbing lanes - one eastbound from Duffin's Creek to 1 kilometre east of Westney Road, and another westbound - from Coronation Road to 3 kilometres west of Lakeridge Road.

"The government recognizes that Highway 7 is a vital road link for people living and working in the area," said Ecker. "Upgrading this section of the highway will ensure its reliability and enhance year-round safety for drivers."

"I look forward to completion of these improvements on this busy stretch of Highway 7," said Flaherty. " The project will create jobs, give a boost to business and ease traffic flows for commuters in this part of Durham."

Work is scheduled to start in late August, with completion in mid-summer 2001.

This investment is part of the government's five-year, $20-billion SuperBuild initiative designed to build for the future by improving capital planning, priority setting and investment. The government's goal is to make the entire capital investment process more strategic, more responsive and more accountable. SuperBuild will facilitate the largest infrastructure building program in Ontario's history, so that the province's infrastructure is ready to meet the future needs of Ontario's people.