News Release: SuperBuild Investment in Highway 400 Improvements Will Benefit Barrie Area Drivers

For Immediate Release
April 12, 2002

SuperBuild Investment in Highway 400 Improvements Will Benefit Barrie Area Drivers

BARRIE — A $5.8 million project to resurface 10.3 kilometres of the Highway 400 northbound lanes was announced today by Transportation Minister Brad Clark, Finance Minister and Minister responsible for SuperBuild Jim Flaherty and Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford MPP Joseph Tascona.

"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 Aecon Construction and Materials Limited of Brampton. The work involves resurfacing Highway 400 from 2.3 kilometres south of Essa Road to one kilometre south of Willow Creek. Additional work includes paving various interchange ramps including the ramps at the Petro Canada service facility north of Molson Park Drive, paving on Dunlop and Bayfield Streets between the interchange ramp terminals, and roadside driver safety improvements such as guiderail and sign upgrades.

"Upgrading this key stretch of Highway 400 will increase safety, especially for thousands of regular commuters, cottagers and vacationers," Tascona said. "The investment will also mean a substantial economic benefit for the many Barrie-area businesses along this section of highway."

Work is scheduled to start in May 2002, with completion by fall 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 more than $6.5 billion in highway capital projects.

"Here in Ontario continued growth is our number one priority," Flaherty said. "SuperBuild investments in transportation infrastructure will contribute to Ontario's prosperity and high quality of life for today and for tomorrow."