Work is expected to start by the end of November on further expansion of Highway 417 in the Ottawa area.
The province announced recently that upgrades to the highway should be completed in 2014.
Upgrades to the highway are expected to reduce commute times and boost the local economy.
The upgrades include:
- Widening Highway 417 from four to eight lanes from Eagleson Road to Palladium Drive with a new high occupancy vehicle lane in each direction.
- Widening Highway 417 from four to six lanes from Palladium Drive to Highway 7.
- Repairing the Carp Road, Eagleson Road and Huntmar Drive bridges.
- Adding new lighting and improving the COMPASS freeway management system.
The work is being funded solely by the province. It is part of the province’s plan to boost the economy by building better roads, bridges and transit.
Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Bob Chiarelli said the highway is “critical” to moving people and goods in the nation’s capital.
“We are improving congestion on our roads and creating good jobs, both crucial to fueling the economy.”
Other Highway 417 projects in progress include replacement of the Cyrville Road Bridge and repair of the Anderson Road bridge.
The expansion of Highway 417 from Highway 416 to Eagleson Road was completed in 2009, and the Carling Avenue eastbound bridge was replaced in July 2011.