Governments of Canada and Ontario invest in the replacement of Rainy River – Baudette International Bridge

RAINY RIVER, ON – Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay was in Rainy River today to announce more than $13 million in federal funding for a joint Canada–USA project to replace the Rainy River-Baudette International Bridge, through the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund. The Government of Ontario is responsible for all remaining costs for the Canadian portion of the investment. The international bridge is located at the Canada – United States border on Highway 11 in Rainy River, Ontario, and on the Minnesota Trunk Highway 72 in Baudette, Minnesota.

“The Government of Canada is committed to investing in infrastructure projects that contribute to economic development, create middle-class jobs, and improve the quality of life of Canadians. The replacement of the Rainy River – Baudette International Bridge will support tourism and trade between Canada and the United States and foster long-term prosperity today and in the future,” said Rusnak.

The project involves the design and construction of a new bridge and the removal of the existing bridge, which is at the end of its service life. The new bridge will include widened lanes and shoulders, guide rails, a sidewalk, and an improved load capacity.

This initiative will improve road safety and efficiency, while also supporting tourism and the movement of people and goods between Canada and the United States. As well, the existing load restrictions will be removed and the bridge will be able to receive higher volumes of commercial traffic, which will support future economic development.

“The new Rainy River-Baudette International Bridge will be an important connection and will serve the people of northwestern Ontario well. Ontario is a world leader in moving people and goods safely, efficiently and sustainably and this new bridge will help us ensure we remain a world leader,” said Michael Gravelle, Ontario Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North.

Quick facts

• The Rainy River – Baudette International Bridge is jointly owned by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
• The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• Budget 2017 proposes over $10.1 billion in trade and transportation projects across Canada. This amount includes $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
• Ontario is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, public transit, roads and bridges in the province’s history. To learn more about what’s happening in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada