Ontario has put out a call for proposals to design the widening of Highway 17 from two lanes to four between Renfrew and Arnprior, marking a significant step in the long-anticipated Ottawa Valley improvement.
The effort to twin Highway 17 through the Ottawa Valley is picking up speed as Ontario seeks proposals for the corridor upgrade, which will feature more interchanges beyond the one already constructed at Calabogie Road.
The Ontario government has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) aimed at designing the expansion of Highway 17 from two to four lanes between the Town of Renfrew and Arnprior.
“Highway 17 is a key connection in the Trans-Canada highway system and an essential trade route, linking communities across Eastern Ontario while facilitating the movement of people and goods throughout the area,” says a news release.
“Widening Highway 17 will strengthen an important trade route, reduce congestion, and create good-paying jobs during construction,” said Ric Bresee, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation.
The province plans to twin 22.5 kilometres of Highway 17 stretching from Scheel Drive near Arnprior to three kilometres west of Bruce Street close to the Town of Renfrew. The first phase of this expansion project was completed in November 2023 when construction on a new bridge and interchange at Highway 17 and Calabogie Road wrapped up. Besides the Calabogie Road interchange, three additional interchanges will be established as part of ongoing Highway 17 projects in Renfrew County.
“This segment of highway serves as a vital route in the Ottawa Valley, connecting communities, bolstering our economy, and safely bringing families home each night,” stated Billy Denault, MPP for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke.
“As Ontario focuses on eliminating interprovincial trade barriers that cost Canada’s economy $200 billion each year, expanding Highway 17 is a crucial part of our strategy to safeguard Ontario by developing a stronger and more self-sufficient economy while enhancing cross-country trade routes,” according to the release.
“Highways 11 and 17 are essential trade corridors for northern Ontario; modernizing them will support industries, improve safety, and keep people employed across the region,” commented Walid Abou-Hamde, CEO of Ontario Road Builders’ Association.
ORBA stands as the leading advocate for Ontario’s transportation infrastructure sector.
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