THUNDER BAY – To improve road safety and keep people and goods moving across the province, the Ontario government has completed the widening of Highway 11/17 from two to four lanes between Ouimet and Dorion East Loop in Thunder Bay District. This is the seventh section of a larger project to widen 100 kilometres of Highway 11/17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon.
“This project is part of our government’s plan to improve transportation in Ontario,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “The work completed so far and the eventual widening of Highway 11/17 to Nipigon will play an important role in addressing the unique transportation needs of the North, enhancing traffic flow and improving safety for individuals and businesses alike on our roads.”
The $74.8 million widening project between Ouimet and Dorion included $37.4 million in provincial funding and $37.4 million in federal funding. The project included widening the highway from two to four lanes for 8.6 kilometres and the twinning of the Canadian Pacific Railway overhead bridges at Ouimet.
“This investment in Dorion is an example of our government’s commitment to a strong and resilient Canada. Not only did it create good jobs and support our economic growth, but it will help meet the local infrastructure needs – from climate resiliency to transportation – for years to come,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
“Many people in our area use this piece of the highway to travel for work, appointments, recreation and to stay connected to their communities. These additional lanes will improve the quality of the roads and increase the safety for those travelling throughout our region. Investments in our highways is critically important and it is exciting to see this dream started many years ago come to reality,” said the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North.
“Our government recognizes the significance of Highway 11/17 to our highway network and to the Thunder Bay area,” said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay—Atikokan.
“The opening of these lanes will make it easier for individuals, families and businesses in the Thunder Bay area to get where they need to go while enhancing safety and supporting economic growth in the North.”
Quick Facts
- Periodic, short-term lane closures between Ouimet and Dorion East Loop in Thunder Bay District will continue until the end of September to allow for minor work and cleanup to be completed. Travellers can visit Ontario 511 for updates on work and traffic impacts.
- Highway 11/17 is a strategic link in the Trans-Canada Highway system. There is no alternate route when there are collisions or road closures.
- From April 2023 to March 2024, the Ontario government is investing nearly $592 million to repair and expand provincial highways and bridges in northern Ontario.
- Ontario’s transportation plan for northern Ontario includes more than 60 actions that will get more people moving, improve travel options for people in remote communities and support economic growth in the North.
SOURCE: Province Of Ontario
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