Ontario completes widening of highway 11/17
By Adam Freill
Bridges Construction Infrastructure RoadsTwo new lanes are now open from Ouimet to Dorion in the Thunder Bay District as work continues to expand highway to Nipigon.
(Photo courtesy of Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation)
To improve road safety and keep people and goods moving across the province, the Ontario government has completed the widening of Highway 11/17 from two to four lanes between Ouimet and Dorion East Loop in the Thunder Bay District. This is the seventh section of a larger project to widen 100 kilometres of Highway 11/17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon.
“This project is part of our government’s plan to improve transportation in Ontario,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “The work completed so far and the eventual widening of Highway 11/17 to Nipigon will play an important role in addressing the unique transportation needs of the North, enhancing traffic flow and improving safety for individuals and businesses alike on our roads.”
The $74.8 million widening project between Ouimet and Dorion included $37.4 million in provincial funding and $37.4 million in federal funding. The project included widening the highway from two to four lanes for 8.6 kilometres and the twinning of the Canadian Pacific Railway overhead bridges at Ouimet.
“This investment in Dorion is an example of our government’s commitment to a strong and resilient Canada. Not only did it create good jobs and support our economic growth, but it will help meet the local infrastructure needs – from climate resiliency to transportation – for years to come,” said Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
“Many people in our area use this piece of the highway to travel for work, appointments, recreation and to stay connected to their communities. These additional lanes will improve the quality of the roads and increase the safety for those travelling throughout our region,” added Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North. “Investments in our highways is critically important and it is exciting to see this dream started many years ago come to reality.”
Highway 11/17 is considered to be a strategic link in the Trans-Canada Highway system. There is no alternate route when there are collisions or road closures.
