Hwy. 17 north of Sault set for major fix over next two summers

Ontario's Ministry of Transportation is currently in the planning stages for a Hwy. 17 resurfacing project that is expected to begin next spring.

In total, about 14.7 km will be rehabilitated, from Sault Ste. Marie city limits to the Goulais River bridge, says Tanya Blazina, senior media relations for the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).

Blazina said the MTO is currently undertaking the detail design for the project and, pending approvals and utility relocations, construction is expected to start next year.

"The work includes rehabilitation of the pavement structure, structural rehabilitation of the Root River North and South structural culverts, implementation of fully paved shoulders, treatment of four areas where the pavement has deteriorated, drainage improvements and guide rail improvements," said Blazina in an email.

The construction is expected to begin in 2025 and will take about two construction seasons to complete, said Blazina.

Some parts of the construction will have an impact on traffic.

"Several of the centerline culvert replacements and pavement rehabilitation will require single lane closures," said Blazina. "The Root River North and South structural culverts will require single lane closures controlled by temporary traffic signals. Portable Variable Messaging Signs will be used to advise traffic to be prepared to stop when the signals are in operation."

Blazina said when construction starts, travellers can visit Ontario.ca/511 for updates on work and traffic impacts.

No public information sessions on the project are planned at this time, said Blazina.