The County Road 43 expansion is one step closer to breaking ground.
MPP Steve Clark was in Kemptville this morning to announce that the province nominated the project for $9.9 million in funding. The dollars are through the Rural and Northern Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Federal approval is still needed.
Clark says the four-laning of 43, from the 416 to Somerville, has been the top infrastructure priority for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville for five years. He noted the cost-shared project would be funded as follows: $4.9 million (feds), $3.3 million (province) and $1.6 million (UCLG and North Grenville).
Clark says as anyone who has been among the 18,500 vehicles that use the road daily knows, the congestion just got worse as North Grenville grew. He explained it was more than an inconvenience – it was a barrier for growth and put public safety at risk.
MP Michael Barrett says he hopes to come back later this summer with good news from the federal government.
The total cost of widening 43 is around $25 million. The draft plan includes streetlights, bike lanes, sidewalks and boulevards with trees.
Mayor Nancy Peckford says this section of road has long been overdue for crucial upgrades that will mean a safer road and improved driving, cycling and pedestrian experience.
The goal is to break ground in the spring, pending go-ahead from the feds, and construction is slated to take between two and three years.