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McGuinty Government Increases Road Safety And Reduces Congestion
TORONTO, April 18 /CNW/ -
NEWS
Roadwork is planned for Highway 6 between Arthur and Mount Forest in the
Township of Wellington North this summer.
Improvements will reduce congestion, enhance safety and keep the
infrastructure in top condition. Work includes:
<<
- Widening lanes and shoulders along Highway 6
- Adding new curbs and sidewalks through the community of Kenilworth
- Replacing Farley's Creek Bridge and Four Mile Creek Bridge and
repairing Smokey Creek Bridge and Mitchell's Creek Bridge
- Adding new northbound and southbound passing lanes near Sideroad 8
and south of Mount Forest respectively
- Planting more than 270 coniferous tree hedges to reduce the effects
of blowing snow on the highway.
>>
Cox Construction Limited of Guelph was awarded the $19.6-million
construction contract expected to be completed by fall 2009. During
construction, drivers on Highway 6 will occasionally have to share a single
lane as directed by temporary traffic lights or a flag-person
(http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/constructionzone.htm) during the
day.
QUOTES
"Providing communities with the transportation infrastructure they need
helps them grow and prosper. The more accessible this area becomes, the more
attractive it is to investment and jobs," said Transportation Minister Jim
Bradley (http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/about/minister.htm).
"I am pleased that rural communities in my riding, like Wellington North,
will see major improvements. It means safer roads for drivers and better
access for local industry and agriculture. This work will ensure that
Highway 6 continues to be a vital link in our local economy," said
Perth-Wellington MPP John Wilkinson
(http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/about/MinisterBio.asp).
QUICK FACTS
<<
- More than 5,400 drivers use this highway every day. Once improved,
it is expected that Highway 6 won't need repairs for another
15-20 years.
- A new $400-million Municipal Roads and Bridges Fund is helping
municipalities invest in critical projects across the province.
Funding is being distributed to municipalities outside Toronto, based
on their share of Ontario's road network in relation to population.
- Since 2003, the McGuinty government has committed $9.3 billion in
highways, roads and bridges and invested $6.2 billion in public
transit.
LEARN MORE
Read the Ontario government's five-year investment plan in highway
construction (http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/nhp2007/index.html) for
Southern Ontario.
Visit great Ontario travel destinations (http://www.ontariotravel.net).
Get up-to-date road condition information
(http://www.roadinfo.mto.gov.on.ca) on major highways in the area. You can
also call the ministry's road information line at 416-235-4686, or toll-free
at 1-800-268-4686.
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Disponible en français
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For further information: Nicole Lippa-Gasparro, Minister's Office, (416) 327-1815; Bob Nichols, Communications Branch, (416) 327-1158
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