News Release: SuperBuild Investment In Highway 9 Improvements Benefits Area Motorists

SuperBuild Investment In Highway 9 Improvements Benefits Area Motorists

HARRISTON - A $2-million project for culvert replacements at various locations on a 21-kilometre stretch of Highway 9 was announced today by Transportation Minister Brad Clark.

"Our government's record investment in highway infrastructure is fueling economic growth throughout Ontario," said Clark. "When completed, this project will substantially improve the drainage along Highway 9."

The contract was awarded to McLean Taylor Construction Limited of St. Marys. The project is for the replacement and repair of concrete and steel culverts at various locations on Highway 9 from 1.7 kilometres south of the Village of Mildmay southerly to the Town of Harriston, excluding the Village of Clifford.

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.

"Improving the drainage on Highway 9 reflects the government's long-standing commitment to having first-class highways in Bruce County," said Bill Murdoch, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. "The project will ensure the long-term operation of this corridor."

"Our government recognizes that Highway 9 is critical to the transportation infrastructure in Huron," added Helen Johns, MPP for Huron-Bruce. "Keeping this key route in top condition will contribute to a higher level of driver safety."

"I have been advised that this work will benefit businesses catering to the farming sector, local residents and will benefit visitors traveling to the area," said Ted Arnott, MPP for Waterloo-Wellington.

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

Due to the nature of the work, traffic will be reduced to one-lane in the various construction zones. The Ministry of Transportation requests the co-operation of motorists and regrets any inconvenience this restoration work may cause.

By the end of this year, the Ontario government will have invested more than $6 billion in highway capital programs, since 1995.