London, Ontario, November 4, 2011 – Federal, provincial and municipal representatives gathered in London today to officially recognize the completion of the Honorary Colonel Charley Fox Memorial Overpass at the intersection of Hale and Trafalgar streets.
This new overpass incorporates London's first arterial road roundabout and helps the City address a number of safety and traffic issues. By elevating vehicle and pedestrian traffic above CN Rail lines, pedestrians and cyclists can travel through the area more safely. As well, vehicles are no longer required to wait while rail traffic crosses Hale Street.
"The Charley Fox Memorial Overpass is a significant legacy investment that created jobs and boosted the economy here in London,"
said Ed Holder, Member of Parliament for London West, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure, and Communities. "By reducing traffic congestion, it has greatly improved the quality of life in our city. As Remembrance Day approaches, the Charley Fox Memorial Overpass pays tribute to a distinguished war hero and recognizes his postwar dedication to the community."
"Our government is supporting key infrastructure projects like this to build stronger, safer communities and create jobs."
said the Honourable Chris Bentley, Member of Provincial Parliament for London West. "Pedestrians and motorists will benefit from a safer, more efficient commute while we recognize a great Canadian."
Mayor Fontana marked the event by saying, "Londoners are well served when their three levels of government work together and where we're standing today is a perfect example of productive partnerships. Our roadway is safer and the innovative and award winning design keeps traffic moving. This is what people want and what the city needs and at the same time we are able to use this public place to honour our veterans and their unselfish service to our community and their country. How fitting we dedicate it in their memory at this time of year."
"CN is pleased to have contributed to this project. The new overpass will enhance community safety, reduce wait times for the public and increase the efficiently of our rail network through the City of London,"
said Dennis Broshko, General Manager for Eastern Canada.
The innovative design of this overpass has been widely recognized. The Consulting Engineers of Ontario recognized the project with an Award of Merit in the transportation category. It was also awarded the Peter J. Marshall 2011 Municipal Innovation Award from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Most recently, it received an award for Achievement and Excellence at the 2011 Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards in Ottawa.
The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario are each contributing one third of total eligible project costs, to a maximum of $3,816,667. The City of London and the Canadian National Railway are sharing the remainder of the total cost of $11,450,000.
Federal support for this project comes from the Government of Canada's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which has resulted in over 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country.
This project supports Building Together, Ontario's long-term infrastructure plan to repair, rebuild and renew the province's roads and highways, bridges, public transit, schools and postsecondary institutions, hospitals and courthouses. Since 2003, the Government of Ontario has created and supported 600,000 jobs and invested $62 billion in infrastructure. Through Building Together, Ontario will continue to make significant investments in public infrastructure, starting with an investment of more than $35 billion over the next three years.
For additional information about investments in infrastructure, visit infrastructure.gc.ca.
For further information about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit actionplan.gc.ca.
For more information on how Ontario is revitalizing its infrastructure, visit ontario.ca/infrastructure.
To download a short broadcast-quality video highlighting a few of the many successful infrastructure projects across Canada, visit infrastructure.gc.ca/video/video-eng.html.
Contacts:
Pierre Floréa
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Constituency Office of Minister Bentley
519-657-3120
Glynis Tucker
Corporate Communications
City of London
519-661-2500 extension 8436
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
