THUNDER BAY, ON -----  April 12, 2010 ----  Between 5,000 and 10,000 vehicles a day travel along Highway 11/17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon — a strategic link in the Trans-Canada Highway System that in some sections has no alternate route in the event of a road closure along the highway.

There will be expanded roads and highways in Northern Ontario, helping improve trade and increase road safety for local residents and people traveling across the province. As part of the Open Ontario plan to bring economic growth and jobs to Northern Ontario, three major projects from the 2010 Ontario budget have been confirmed for the expansion of the Highway 11/17 corridor to four lanes:

•  The Nipigon River Bridge and approximately the three kilometres approaching the bridge from both directions. This project will begin in 2011.
  
•  Approximately 12 kilometres between Red Rock Road No. 9 and Still Water Creek, near Nipigon. This project will begin in 2012.
  
•  Approximately 13 kilometres of Highway 11/17 from Highway 527 to west of Mackenzie Station Road. This project will begin in 2012. Once complete, this will create a continuous 33-kilometre stretch of four-lane divided highway east out of Thunder Bay.

Construction on two four-lane projects will begin later this year on Highway 11/17; a sixkilometre stretch from Hodder Avenue to Highway 527 and a 14-kilometre section from west of Mackenzie Station Road to Birch Beach Rd.

“Michael Gravelle said "I am elated that we are expanding the Highway 11/17 corridor between Thunder Bay and Nipigon. Upgrading and repairing our road infrastructure creates jobs while helping to grow the economy.”

- Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.
“The Province’s ongoing long-term infrastructure investments in expanding highways throughout Northern Ontario will continue to lay the foundation for future economic growth.” - Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Transportation.