Ontario Government Puts 69 Million Dollars Into Northern Highways

By: Nick Liard

The Ontario Government is pouring 69 million dollars into six local highways through the Northern Highways Program.

The funding w2ill go to rehabilitate the French River Bridge on Highway 69, resurfacing Highway 144 between Cartier and Onaping, and Chelmsford and Onaping, new and expanded passing lanes on Highway 17 between Verner and Sturgeon Falls, surfacing 20.4 kilometres of Highway 11 west of the Highway 631 junction, resurfacing 23.4 kilometres of Highway 108 south of Elliot Lake, and realigning of 3.2 kilometres of the Trans-Canada Highway 66 at Virginiatown.

Sudbury M-P-P Glenn Thibeault says it will benefit both the people and economy, creating over 100 thousand jobs.

Ward 4 City Councillor Evelyn Dutrisac was pleased with the announcement as she fought for resurfacing of Highway 144 for a long time now.

Thibeault says four laning Highway 69 is a key for the North but other highways are equally important to residents.

The funds are part of 560 million dollars the government will invest in northern roads this year through the Northern Highways Program, on top of the funding for four-laning Highway 69.