News Release: Ontario investment in improvements near Highway 7/86 interchange will benefit Kitchener-Waterloo

Ontario investment in improvements near
Highway 7/86 interchange will benefit Kitchener-Waterloo

WATERLOO - A two-year contract for structural and highway upgrades in the area of the Highway 7/86 interchange 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 $6.6-million contract was awarded to Underground Services (1983) Limited of Bolton. The project will upgrade four structures including the Victoria Street underpass, Wellington Street eastbound and westbound underpasses, and Lexington Road underpass. Work also includes installation of new high-mast lighting on the Conestoga Parkway (Highway 86) from Krugg Street to Lancaster Street and upgraded traffic signing.

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.

"Keeping roadways and bridges spanning the Conestoga Parkway in good repair is a sound investment for the future," Kitchener-Waterloo MPP Elizabeth Witmer said. "This important work will support job creation and growth across Kitchener-Waterloo."

"To provide residents, businesses and visitors with good access to and from downtown Kitchener, we need a first-class highway infrastructure," Kitchener Centre MPP Wayne Wettlaufer said. "When completed, this work will provide a higher level of service and safety for motorists."

Work is under way, scheduled for completion in the summer of 2002.

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