Construction Set to Begin on Innovative Nipigon River Bridge
"I am tremendously pleased that our government is continuing to support important northern infrastructure with the Nipigon River Bridge project nearing construction. Once completed, the Nipigon River Bridge will be a magnificent structure and will certainly improve travel for countless local residents, visitors, businesses and families. This cable-stayed bridge will be the first of its kind in Ontario and is sure to become a destination attraction in its own right.” Michael Gravelle Minister of Northern Development and Mines
Ontario Government Strengthening Northern Economy, Creating Jobs
Ontario is supporting more than 1,000 jobs with the construction of a new four-lane cable-stayed bridge along the Highway 11-17 corridor east of Thunder Bay.
Construction of the bridge over the Nipigon River will be a key part of the TransCanada Highway and replace the existing two-lane structure. Work will also include widening the approaches to the bridge to four-lanes. The structure will also include a walkway. This project will make travel easier and safer for families and industry while strengthening tourism and the economy in the north.
Investing in roads, highways and bridges is part of the Ontario government’s .Growth Plan for Northern Ontario A strong northern economy will help create a fair society and give the people of Ontario more opportunities for economic prosperity.
Quick Facts
- Bot Construction was awarded the $106 million contract. Work is scheduled to begin in July 2013 with completion expected in 2017.
- This cable-stayed bridge will be the first of its kind on the provincial highway system. It will consist of three towers with cables supporting the bridge deck.
- Last September, a six-kilometer stretch of four-lane highway was completed on Highway 11-17 between Hodder Avenue and Highway 527.
- Another 14-kilometre section of this corridor from Mackenzie Road to Birch Beach is nearing completion and will be open to drivers in 2013.
- The expansion of the Highway 11-17 corridor will involve 104 kilometres.
- Since 2003, the province has invested nearly $5 billion in northern highways, improved 3,146 kilometres of highway and 187 bridges, and constructed 387 kilometres of new four-lane highway along with 102 new bridges throughout Northern Ontario.
