The Government of Ontario announced construction will advance on the Frederick Street bridge in Kitchener, marking another milestone in the plan to widen Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph.
“The people of Kitchener-Waterloo have waited far too long for the new Highway 7,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “That is why our government has made it a priority to move this project forward. The new highway will be a game changer for the region, ensuring the efficient movement of people and goods across southern Ontario, with commuters spending less time sitting in traffic and more time doing what matters most to them.”
Starting February 28, contractors will be invited to submit proposals for the replacement of the Frederick Street bridge. To accommodate the future widening of Highway 7, the bridge will be lengthened to ensure traffic can flow in both directions with shoulders and multi-use paths accessible for both pedestrians and cyclists.
“Today’s announcement is an important next step in the provincial government’s commitment to move the Highway 7 project forward,” said Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of Kitchener. “The construction of the Frederick Street Bridge will not only help connect residents and businesses between Kitchener, Guelph and surrounding areas but will also be key to moving goods throughout southern Ontario, across Canada and elsewhere in North America.”
Once complete, the new Highway 7 will include seven interchanges between Kitchener and Guelph, including a multi-level connection to Highway 85, a new crossing over the Grand River and improvements to local roads to help keep communities connected.
“I am pleased that the government is opening the next phase of Highway 7 improvements with the call out to contractors for proposals to replace the Frederick Street Bridge at the end of this month,” said Mike Harris, MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga. “We have seen and expect to see the continued growth of population and jobs in Waterloo Region, and planning ahead for that will benefit not just the local community but everyone commuting and transiting throughout the Greater Golden Horseshoe.”
Featured image: (Government of Ontario)
