News Release: SuperBuild Investment in Highway 40 Improvements Will Benefit Lambton County and Sarnia

For Immediate Release
April 12, 2002

SuperBuild Investment in Highway 40 Improvements Will Benefit Lambton County and Sarnia

SARNIA — Two projects to upgrade an 18-kilometre stretch of Highway 40 and the intersection at Highway 40 and London Line were announced today by Transportation Minister Brad Clark, Finance Minister and Minister responsible for SuperBuild Jim Flaherty and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Marcel Beaubien.

"Our government's record investment in highway infrastructure is fueling economic growth throughout Ontario," Clark said. "When completed, these projects will improve traffic flow, enhance road safety and encourage economic expansion."

The contracts were awarded to Huron Construction Company Limited of Chatham, and are scheduled to start in mid-May 2002, with completion in early fall 2002.

The first contract is a $3.9 million project to reconstruct and upgrade an 18-kilometre stretch of Highway 40 from Dufferin Avenue to north of Stanley Line. Also included is construction of a northbound right turn lane on Highway 40 at Bentpath Line, installation of updated lighting and an overhead flasher at Dufferin Avenue, and repairs to Darcy McKeough and Clay Creek bridges.

The second contract of $2 million is for various intersection improvements at Highway 40 and London Line in Sarnia. The contract includes widening of ramps, resurfacing on London Line, new traffic signals, and upgraded lighting.

"Improvements to this highway will support local businesses, trucking and tourism," Beaubien said. "This work is part of the government's commitment to ensuring our highway infrastructure meets growing needs in communities."

Due to the nature of the work, the 18-kilometre section of Highway 40 will be closed during construction. Traffic will be detoured via Murray Street, Margaret Avenue, Kimball Road and Courtright Line. Access for cross-road traffic will be maintained. MTO will install information and detour signs prior to construction to guide motorists.

Also, traffic on London Line will be reduced to one lane in each direction while construction is under way.

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.

"Ontario's economy and quality of life depend on new infrastructure," Flaherty said. "Through SuperBuild, we are working with public and private sector partners to make strategic infrastructure investments across Ontario. Highway projects like this one will provide real benefits to the province's economy."