News Release: Ontario investment in bridge improvements on highway 21 will benefit village of Bayfield

Ontario investment in bridge improvements on highway 21 will benefit village of Bayfield

BAYFIELD - A project to upgrade the Bayfield River Bridge on Highway 21 was announced today by Transportation Minister Brad Clark.

"Our government's record investment in highway infrastructure is fueling economic growth throughout Ontario," Clark said. "When completed this project will improve traffic flow, enhance road safety and encourage economic expansion."

The $1.1-million contract was awarded to Lavis Contracting Company Limited of Clinton. Located at the Village of Bayfield, the project includes various repairs to the Bayfield River Bridge and reconstruction of the approaches to the bridge. Additional work includes installation of a new retaining wall on the north bank of the river to prevent erosion, and construction of new fishery habitat along the retaining wall.

The investment is part of the government's five-year, $20-billion SuperBuild initiative designed to facilitate the largest infrastructure building program in Ontario's history.

"The government recognizes that highway bridges are a critical part of the transportation infrastructure in Huron-Bruce," Huron-Bruce MPP Helen Johns said. "Upgrading the Bayfield River Bridge will ensure its longevity and provide a higher level of safety for residents and visitors alike."

Because of the nature of construction, traffic will be reduced to a single lane at the bridge controlled by temporary signals. The Ministry of Transportation regrets any inconvenience this vital work may cause.

Work is under way, with completion scheduled in mid-August 2001.

By the end of this fiscal year, the Harris government will have invested more than $6 billion in highway capital programs.