Projects possible thanks to federal Gas Tax Fund
April 9, 2015 – Kitchener, Ontario – Infrastructure Canada
The Government of Canada is delivering major infrastructure improvements to two local bridges, thanks to contributions from the federal Gas Tax Fund. Representatives gathered today at the Shirk Place Bridge over Laurel Creek to celebrate the bridge rehabilitations which will improve commutes across the region.
Improvements on the Shirk Place Bridge included repairs to the bridge deck, abutments and concrete beams, as well as new asphalt, parapet walls and guiderails. Waterproofing and new asphalt installation will be completed this spring. Work on the Stirling Avenue Bridge included major deck repairs as well as the addition of new asphalt, parapet walls, steel beam guiderails and waterproofing and will be completed this spring.
Both bridges act as key links in the city, providing direct access to major roads, Kitchener's downtown core and local businesses, with the Stirling Avenue Bridge also providing a vital connection over the Goderich-Exeter Railway (GEXR). The upgrades will help reduce travel times, alleviate traffic congestion, enhance the structural integrity and safety of the bridges and increase their functional lifespans.
"Helping to connect workers with jobs, products with markets, and travellers with destinations, the Shirk Place and Stirling Avenue Bridges are vital to the economic prosperity of this region. This investment, along with investments in Kitchener roads, will make people's daily commute faster and easier and will benefit our environment by reducing the amount of time drivers spend in traffic. The Harper Government is proud to provide municipalities with flexible infrastructure funding that allows them to support projects that address the needs of their community."
- Stephen Woodworth, Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838
Declan Kelly
Communications and Marketing Associate
Corporate Communications and Marketing, City of Kitchener
519-741-2200, ext. 7191 | TTY 1-866-969-9994 | declan.kelly@kitchener.ca
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada
