Over $37M allocated for Northern Ontario highway expansion

DORION, ONT. — The federal government will be investing more than $37 million to expand Highway 11/17 through the Township of Dorion, Ont.

The investment is being made through the Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component.

The project involves the expansion of an 8.6-kilometre section of Highway 11/17 from the existing two lanes to a four-lane divided highway and two new bridges will be constructed over the Canadian Pacific Railway line at Ouimet, replacing the existing bridge.

Once completed, the newly expanded highway will improve safety by separating two-way traffic, and reduce travel times for residents of the region and support sustainable development and economic growth for the businesses who rely on this vital East-West corridor to move goods and people, states the release.

Funding for construction of the project is conditional and will only be provided once Canada is satisfied that the Province of Ontario’s obligation to consult with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment requirements have been met, adds the release.