Shuniah traffic

A major construction project widening Highway 11 and 17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon has been completed.

Crews have widened the roadway to two lanes in both directions from Coughlin Road to Highway 582 and from Highway 587 to Pearl Lake.

The work is part of a $6.5 billion provincial investment to build, repair and expand highways, roads and bridges in northern Ontario.

“The expansion of Highway 11/17 is important for northwestern Ontario,” said MPP for Thunder Bay–Atikokan, Kevin Holland.

“By improving safety, increasing capacity and strengthening this vital trade corridor, we’re ensuring that people and goods can move efficiently across our region and the country. This investment supports our northern communities, drives economic growth and builds a stronger, more connected Ontario and Canada.”

According to the province, more than $45.3 billion in goods travels through this section of roadway every year.

Preliminary design work is underway to widen Highway 11/17 from Highway 582 to the Dorion East Loop Road, and detail design is underway for the stretch of highway from Pearl Lake to west of Ouimet.

“These routes are lifelines for our communities,” added Executive Vice-President of NOMA, Fred Mota.

“With the anticipated transportation of low-grade nuclear fuel to the proposed Revell Site near Ignace, the need for immediate and coordinated improvements to the Trans-Canada Highway 11/17 corridor cannot be overstated. We must see the same level of urgency and commitment applied to the west side of Thunder Bay and across the entire Northwestern network. Continued, sustained investment will ensure that no community is left behind.”