As Sault Ste. Marie lobbies for federal funding for a new truck route to the International Bridge (shown), the Ontario Government has today announced major border-crossing enhancements for the Sarnia-Port Huron crossing.
The infrastructure improvements, valued at $40 million, are aimed at improving traffic flow and safety and cutting down wait times.
The following are the full texts of a news release and background document issued today by Ontario Premier Ernie Eves:
*************************************************************************** Eves announces Sarnia border improvements
SARNIA, ON, Sept. 19 - Ernie Eves, Ontario's Premier, today announced key measures that will improve the flow of people and goods across the Canada-U.S. border at the Sarnia-Port Huron crossing.
Eves announced that the Ontario government has committed to signing a memorandum of understanding with the Blue Water Bridge Authority which will provide border infrastructure enhancements that will improve traffic flow, decrease wait times, improve traffic safety and remove impediments to the passage of goods and services.
The MOU will contain an agreement that would have the government transfer property at the west end of the plaza to the bridge authority in exchange for improvements that will speed up the flow of vehicles from the crossing to the 402.
He stated that his government would continue to work with the federal government, the City of Sarnia, the Village of Point Edward and the Blue Water Bridge Authority to improve the transportation infrastructure in and around the border crossing.
"This is good news for the people of Sarnia, Point Edward and for those across southwestern Ontario," said Eves. "We are committed to improving the security and efficiency of our border crossings, enhancing the conditions for trade, ensuring a strong economy and protecting jobs for Ontarians."
As part of the provincial commitment, Eves said the province will move forward with the completion of preliminary design and environmental work to improve the operations of Highway 402, from the Blue Water Bridge Authority plaza to Airport Road.
This study is recommending interchange improvements at four locations and sets the stage for the future widening of Highway 402 to six lanes, as traffic volumes dictate.
The province is reviewing a proposal recently presented by the Village of Point Edward and the Blue Water Bridge Authority on a road access plan near the bridge.
The plan would need to be approved as part of the provincial Environmental Assessment process for the Highway 402 improvements, which includes consultations with the public and the City of Sarnia.
Since 1995, the government has spent more than $120 million on improvements and upgrades to Highway 402.
Today, Eves announced his commitment to complete the final 20 kilometres of this important stretch of highway.
These improvements will begin in 2003, at an estimated cost of $40 million.
"A working border is essential to maintaining the strong trade ties we have with the United States," said Eves. "These measures will improve the border infrastructure on the Canadian side and will help people and goods get across the border safely, securely and smoothly."
************************************************************************** Backgrounder
Sarnia border improvements
The Sarnia/Point Edward border crossing is an essential economic link between Ontario and Michigan.
The Blue Water Bridge handled 1.5 million truck crossings in 1999 and is the second-busiest border crossing in Ontario for commercial traffic.
The Ontario government has committed to signing a memorandum of understanding with the Blue Water Bridge Authority which will provide border infrastructure enhancements that will improve traffic flow, decrease wait times, improve traffic safety and remove impediments to the passage of goods and services.
The MOU will contain an agreement that would have the government transfer property at the west end of the plaza to the bridge authority in exchange for improvements that will speed up the flow of vehicles from the crossing to the 402.
The province also made a commitment to continue working with the federal government, the Blue Water Bridge Authority, the Village of Point Edward and the City of Sarnia to improve infrastructure at the border and help to ensure economic prosperity and job creation in Ontario.
Highway 402 improvements since 1995
Highway 402 represents a vital link in Ontario's transportation infrastructure, carrying between 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles per day.
The provincial government has an on going commitment to rehabilitate Highway 402 from London to Sarnia.
Since 1995, nine projects have been completed between London and Sarnia at a cost of over $120 million, including:
- $48 million for four projects between Highway 401 and Strathroy, a distance of 39 km; - $48 million for three projects between Strathroy and Warwick, for a distance of 37 km; and, - $25 million for two projects between the Bluewater Bridge and Mandaumin Road (Sarnia), for a total distance of 17 km.
Two projects for Highway 402 are remaining and have a combined total length of 20 km:
- $20 million project from east of Lambton Road 30 to east of Highway 21; and, - $20 million project from east of Mandaumin Road to east of Lambton Road 30.
Both projects involve full depth reconstruction and are scheduled to start as early as 2003.
Preliminary Design Study
Highway 402 from BWBA plaza to Airport Road
The Ministry of Transportation is completing a preliminary design study for the section of Highway 402 from the terminus of the highway at the Blue Water Bridge Authority (BWBA) plaza to Airport Road.
The preliminary design study identified operational concerns in the vicinity of the BWBA plaza:
- Weaving of Highway 402 eastbound traffic between the Marina Road access and the interchange at Front Street; - Bridge Street access to Highway 402 westbound immediately east of the BWBA plaza; and, - Westbound truck queues on Highway 402 from the BWBA plaza easterly. ***************************************************************************