News Release: Eves government invests in Highway 77 improvements in Leamington area

For Immediate Release
August 15, 2002

Eves government invests in Highway 77 improvements in Leamington area

COUNTY OF ESSEX — To improve safety and efficiency, the Ernie Eves government is advertising a contract to reconstruct a section of Highway 77 between Staples and Comber in the County of Essex, Transportation Minister Norm Sterling announced today.

"Our government's record investment in highway infrastructure is fueling economic growth throughout Ontario," Sterling said. "When completed, this project will substantially improve travel between Staples and Comber.

"I would like to thank Mayor Wilkinson and Leamington council for their co-operation, and for bringing the need for this project to my attention," the Minister added.

This project will be done in two stages:

Stage One:

• Trenching/installation of new drains along the edge of the roadway.

Stage Two:

• Rebuild and repave Highway 77 with wider lanes;
• Repair and extend concrete drainage culverts;
• Upgrade permanent signs and guide rails;
• Upgrade the flashing intersection lights at Highway 77 and County Road 46.

Bidding is scheduled to close on September 11, 2002, with the successful contractor beginning work this fall. The project will be completed by fall of 2003.

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.

For the most up-to-date information on highway construction and road conditions in southwestern Ontario, call the Ministry of Transportation's information line at 1-800-265-5407. For information on provincial highways across Ontario, call toll-free at 1-800-268-4686.