$8M announced for road and bridge projects in Southern Ontario
The federal and provincial governments announced a combined funding of more than $8 million for three infrastructure projects in Southern Ontario on July 22.
When combined with the more than $4.2 million being contributed to the projects by the three affected municipalities, the total project funding envelope exceeds $12 million.
The largest project of the three is the reconstruction of Plank Road in Sarnia. Total funding for that project exceeds $7.5 million. The work will see the reconstruction and widening of approximately three kilometers of the road between South Indian Road and Highway 40. These improvements will increase the safety of travellers and extend the road's lifespan for years to come.
In the Town of Amherstburg, Bridge 3012 over the River Canard will be replaced and the roadways leading to the bridge entrance rebuilt. That project will receive approximately $2.4 million in funding.
“The Town of Amherstburg is proud to be the recipient of this grant funding agreement from the federal and provincial governments,” said Mayor Aldo DiCarlo. “The successful application of Bridge 3012 (5th Concession North over River Canard) will not only address the need for replacement as identified in our infrastructure needs study, it will also conserve the service level it currently provides in a safe and reliable manner.
Finally, the Township of St. Clair will rehabilitate the historical Holt Line Bridge over the Sydenham River at a cost of just over $1.25 million. The improvements will extend the bridge’s lifespan.
“The Holt Line Bridge is a major connecting link for our farmers and rural traffic on the south side of the McKeough Dam which protects the town of Wallaceburg,” said St. Clair Mayor Steve Arnold. “Without the project funding we were faced with the closure of the bridge for many years until we could save the funds needed to complete this vital bridge.”
The Government of Canada is investing over $4.8 million in these projects through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Ontario is contributing more than $3.2 million.