TORONTO, ON- Norm Miller says change is coming for Highway 11.
According to a statement put out today by the Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP, the provincial government is looking at the removal of the ten at-grade intersections of the route between Bracebridge and Huntsville, with the goal of replacing them with interchanges and crossover bridges.
Miller brought up the matter in the legislature today, starting by mentioning the work of local advocacy group Safer Highway 11, as well as the passing of resolutions asking for improvements by both Bracebridge and Huntsville.
“Infrastructure Minister Caroline Mulroney promised that an implementation plan will be developed upon the completion of an operational performance review, in addition to a $11.3 million investment in road rehabilitation,” read part of Miller’s statement.
Miller had asked Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney about improvements to the route. Mulroney indicated to Miller that a review of the route between Bracebridge and Huntsville is ongoing, and a total of $11.3 million was being invested into the route current to rehabilitate three highway structures and improve the ride quality through resurfacing.
That work is expected to be done by the start of winter.
The full response by Mulroney, including the lines about replacements plans, follows below:
“I know that we both share the same commitment to road safety. Mr. Speaker, the ministry is currently undergoing an operational performance review of Highway 11 between Bracebridge and Huntsville. This review includes examining a total of 10 at-grade intersections along this 35-kilometre stretch, and will provide recommendations to address any safety and operational concerns at these locations.”
“Once this review has been completed, the ministry will develop an implementation plan for the recommended improvements to ensure the safety of Highway 11. Our goal is to remove all the at-grade intersections and replace them with a combination of interchanges and crossover bridges. We understand that these large projects take time to design and construct. That’s why in the interim, we’re making improvements that enhance the safety of at-grade intersections.”
The exact timeframe of the review and what improvements are being made at the intersections was not included in the dialogue between the two MPPs.
The MyMuskokaNow.com newsroom has reached out to Miller’s office for clarity on those two items.