NEWS RELEASE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO **************************** Busy highway construction season in Northeastern Ontario McGuinty government strengthening northern economy, creating jobs Ontario is making major improvements to highways, roads and bri

NEWS RELEASE



GOVERNMENT

OF ONTARIO



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Busy highway construction season in Northeastern Ontario



McGuinty government strengthening northern economy, creating jobs



Ontario is making major improvements to highways, roads and bridges in Northeastern Ontario, creating more than 20,000 construction jobs across the province and making travel easier for families and businesses.



Key highway improvements in Northeastern Ontario this summer will include:

four-laning work on Highway 11 in the Burk's Falls area, which will complete the multi-year four-laning project from Huntsville to North Bay

continuation of Highway 69 expansion work, including the four-laning of more than 20 kilometres south of Sudbury

resurfacing and adding passing lanes on Highway 11 south of Cochrane

Investing in Northern Ontario's roads, highways and bridges is part of the McGuinty government's Growth Plan for Northern Ontario.



A strong northern economy creates local jobs and protects the services that mean the most to families - health care and education.



Quotes



"The Northern Highways Program makes investments in highway infrastructure that ensure safety on our roads for local residents while creating jobs for northerners and maintaining vital transportation links for local industries." - Rick Bartolucci, minister of northern development and mines



"Our government is improving infrastructure across the province, while creating jobs and strengthening our economy. These projects will help ensure our roads are safe and in good condition for years to come." - Bob Chiarelli, minister of infrastructure and transportation



Quick facts



Ontario is investing $2.4 billion in road and bridge construction projects this year.



Over 300 jobs will be created in northeastern Ontario through the Northern Highways Program.



Since 2003, the Ontario government has improved 2,560 kilometres of highway and 185 bridges and constructed 105 kilometres of new four lane highway along with 115 new bridges throughout Northern Ontario.



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