News Release: SuperBuild Investment in Highway 416 Improvements Will Benefit Freeway Drivers

For Immediate Release
April 12, 2002

SuperBuild Investment in Highway 416 Improvements Will Benefit Freeway Drivers

KEMPTVILLE — A $1.9 million project for repairs to two freeway bridges on Highway 416, northbound, was announced today by Transportation Minister Brad Clark, Finance Minister and Minister responsible for SuperBuild Jim Flaherty, Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman and Nepean-Carleton MPP John Baird.

"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 contract was awarded to Dufferin Construction Company of Carp, Ontario. The project includes repairs to the 305-metre Rideau River Bridge located 6 kilometres north of County Road 43, and to the 50-metre CPR overhead bridge located about two kilometres south of County Road 43. Additional work includes the installation of new concrete barrier walls on both bridges.

"The government places great importance on having safe and efficient freeways in eastern Ontario," Runciman said. "Upgrading the bridges on Highway 416 will benefit local residents and businesses, and the thousands of visitors to our area."

"Highway 416 operates as a key link in eastern Ontario's freeway network, which serves as a gateway to the world's largest commercial market," Baird said. "The initiative will ensure that people and goods continue to move smoothly and safely for many years."

Due to the nature of the work, northbound traffic on Highway 416 will be reduced to one lane at both bridges while construction is under way.

Work is scheduled to start this spring, with completion in the late fall of 2002.

This 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. Since 1995, the Ontario government has invested about $6.5 billion in highway capital projects.

"The strategic investments in highways we are making through SuperBuild are crucial to Ontario's economic success and quality of life," Flaherty said.