Governments invest $15M in Eastern Ontario road, bridge projects
The federal and provincial governments announced more than $15 million in funding for the construction and rehabilitation of five road and bridge projects in Eastern Ontario.
The investments are being made through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. When supplemented with the more than $3 million bring provided by the partner municipalities, the total commitment is more than $18 million.
“Rural communities are vital to our country’s economic, cultural and social prosperity,” said Francis Drouin, MP for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell. “Investments to upgrade bridges and improve the safety of our roads have a big impact on our communities, helping them thrive and remain competitive. During these unprecedented times, these projects will help create well-paying, sustainable jobs during the construction phase, and they will have enduring positive effects on each of the communities for many years to come.”
At nearly $10 million, the largest-funded of the projects will see the upgrade and expansion of County Road 43 in North Grenville. The project scope includes the widening of roadways, more crosswalks, new bike lanes and street lighting. The project will also rehabilitate the 39-metre bridge which crosses Kemptville Creek.
“County Road 43 runs through the heart of Kemptville and serves as a major regional route in Eastern Ontario,” said Nancy Peckford, Mayor of the Municipality of North Grenville. “We are thrilled to move this important project forward.”
Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry will rehabilitate nearly 1.25 kilometers of County Road 2 leading to Morrison, improving the sidewalk entrances to local businesses, and adding new sidewalks, crosswalks and lighting. That project will receive nearly $3.5 million in funding.
At nearly $3 million, a portion of Lemay Street in Cornwall will be widened to include new bike lanes, sidewalks and a roundabout.
In The Nation, the Touchette Bridge will be rehabilitated, replacing the majority of its parts, including the floor beams, the deck, and the steel stringers. These upgrades will extend the lifespan of the bridge, and increase the flow of traffic.
Finally, Mississippi Mills will see its Levi Bridge replaced, upgrading from a one-lane to a new two-lane bridge with new railings and guardrails, making it safer for drivers and pedestrians.
The Government of Canada’s share of the funding comes to nearly $10 million, and is being provided through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Ontario’s contribution is more than $6.5 million.