News Release: Ontario investment in Blandford road 5/401 underpass will benefit local residents

Ontario investment in Blandford road 5/401 underpass will benefit local residents

WOODSTOCK - A project to upgrade the Blandford Township Road 5/Highway 401 underpass 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 and enhance road safety."

The $460,000 contract was awarded to McLean-Taylor Construction Limited of St. Marys. Work involves repairs to the concrete bridge deck and bridge piers, replacement of the expansion joints and paving. One of the concrete bridge girders will also be replaced. The Blandford Township Road 5 underpass is located 3.3 kilometres east of Oxford County Road 2 on Highway 401.

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.

"This is the type of project Oxford needs to support our local economy," Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman said. "Bridge infrastructure renewal is a wise investment for the future. The work will also provide a higher level of safety for motorists."

Work is under way, scheduled for completion later this year.

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