Four Southern Ontario projects share in $16M in infrastructure funding
The federal and provincial governments have announced more than $16 million in funding for four road and bridge works projects in Southern Ontario.
When combined with the nearly $18 million being invested by the local municipalities, the total value of the project investments exceeds $34 million.
At $14.2 million, the largest-valued of the projects will see the removal and replacement of the one-lane Big Creek Bridge on Long Point causeway in Norfolk. The bridge will be replaced with a new, 34-metre, two-lane structure that will include two paved shoulders for pedestrians and cyclists. The projects will improve safety for users, increase active transportation, and improve traffic flow.
“This funding announcement is without a doubt one of the most significant contributions ever made to Norfolk County for one of our most critical pieces of infrastructure,” said Norfolk County Mayor Kristal Chopp. “The challenges associated with reconstructing a bridge through one of Canada’s most ecologically diverse areas, home to a UNESCO designated world biosphere, cannot be understated. Not only is the causeway bridge the only access point linking the mainland to the homes of hundreds of residents, it also welcomes more than a hundred thousand visitors annually to the Long Point Provincial Park.”
In Niagara Falls, $10.2 million is being invested in the reconstruction of 2.5 kilometres of Drummond Road, Gallinger Street and Portage Road. The project scope includes a new road structure and surface; curb and gutter; sidewalks; and dedicated bike lanes.
In the Township of West Lincoln, $5.1 million will be spent on the reconstruction of approximately 1.5 kilometres of St. Ann's Road between Twenty Mile Road and Regional Road 20. Additionally, St. Ann's Bridge will be rehabilitated to improve safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Finally, the City of Welland will see the construction of a bridge over the Welland Canal at the site of the former Forks Road lift bridge, which was demolished in 2019. The construction of this new bridge will reopen a key transportation link that was used by and estimated 3,500 vehicles daily to access Welland and other parts of the Niagara Region. That project is valued at $5 million.
“The City of Welland appreciates the contribution from the provincial and federal governments which will be used to replace the Forks Road Canal Crossing,” said Welland Mayor Frank Campion. “This connection is imperative for the citizens of Welland, especially the residents of Dain City connecting the east and west side of the canal. This will enable faster access to highway and other transportation routes. This funding brings us one step closer to replacing the bridge.”
The Government of Canada is investing more than $9.9 million in these projects through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is contributing more than $6.6 million, and the municipalities involved are contributing over $17.8 million combined to the projects.