Highway407

The Canadian province of Ontario has awarded a $1.2bn contract to Blackbird Infrastructure to build a provincially owned stretch of Highway 407 East.

Upon completion, the highway will relieve congestion and provides emergency detour routes for travellers in Durham Region, making the area roads safer.

Under the terms of the contract, Blackbird Infrastructure will design, build, finance and maintain the project on which construction is expected to begin later this year from Harmony Road to Taunton Road/Highway 418.

The project is slated for completion in December 2017 and the remainder is set for opening in 2020.

"This project is proof of our government’s commitment to making the daily commute and quality of life better for Ontario residents."

During the final phase of the Highway 407 East project, the highway will be extended eastward from Harmony Road in Oshawa to Highway 35/115.

A new north-south 10km highway link Highway 418 will be added to connect Highway 407 to Highway 401, just east of Oshawa.

Eight new interchanges including a partial interchange at Highway 418 and Taunton Road and three freeway to freeway connections (Highway 407 and Highway 418; Highway 418 and Highway 401 will also be provided.

Owned and operated by the province, the Highway 407 is a separate entity connected to the existing 407 ETR and initial tolls on it will be lower compared with that on 407 ETR.

Ontario minister of transportation Steven Del Duca said: "The Highway 407 East project will create jobs, strengthen the economy and help keep goods and people moving.

"This project is proof of our government’s commitment to making the daily commute and quality of life better for Ontario residents."

Minister of economic development, employment and infrastructure Brad Duguid said: "This significant investment will foster greater connectivity amongst businesses, generate economic activity in the local community, and provide Ontario families and businesses with a more efficient transportation network."

Image: Blackbird Infrastructure will build provincially owned stretch of Highway 407 East. Photo: courtesy of Raysonho via Wikipedia.