Kingston, Ont. bridge receives awaited federal investment

Ontario is investing more than $2.5 billion to repair and expand highways and bridges across Ontario in 2017/18.

A highly anticipated bridge project is underway in Kingston, Ont.

With a confirmed federal investment of $60 million, work will start on the city’s Third Crossing Bridge – a project over 50 years in the making. Construction is expected to begin in 2019.

The project has received a total tri-government investment of over $180 million.

A two-lane bridge will be constructed over the Great Cataraqui River. It will connect the East and West sides of Kingston, almost halfway between Highway 401 and the LaSalle Causeway.

Shared and active transportation options, including a multi-use pedestrian and bike pathway, sidewalks and cycle lanes on the road approaches, as well as connections to future waterfront trails, will also be constructed.

Kingston’s Third Crossing is the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by the city. It’s also the largest transportation investment in Kingston’s history.

“This investment will have a significant positive impact in our community and will help improve how Kingston residents and visitors move around the city,” said Mark Gerretsen, member of parliament for Kingston and the Islands. “Traffic congestion on the bridges has been a long-standing challenge in Kingston and I’m pleased that the federal government, along with our provincial and municipal partners, are working together to bring this critically important project to fruition.”

The government Ontario also contributed $60 million to this project through the Provincial and Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects. The City of Kingston is responsible for the balance of the funding.

SOURCE: CITY OF KINGSTON