(Queen's Park) – Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop announced today that K.J. Beamish Construction Company has been awarded a contract to widen Highway 12 in Atherley and reconstruct the Simcoe County Road 44 (Rama Road) intersection leading to Casino Rama. Construction has already started and is expected to be completed by fall 2003.

"I am pleased that our government is investing $4 million in this project, in partnership with Ramara Township and Simcoe County," said Dunlop. "Once completed, it will help strengthen local economic development, while improving road safety and traffic flow in the area."

The project involves widening Highway 12 from two to five lanes, from the Atherley Narrows Bridge easterly to 0.2 kilometres east of Balsam Road. It will also include the realignment of Rama Road and the installation of traffic signals at Creighton Street and the new Rama Road intersections. To minimize disruption to motorists, the work will be conducted during off-peak hours with short-duration lane closures.

"Ramara Township is a proud partner on this important initiative with the Ministry of Transportation and Simcoe County," said Dr. Tom Garry, Mayor, Township of Ramara. "The project will benefit anyone who relies on Highway 12, including local residents, businesses and visitors."

This investment is part of the government's five-year, $20 billion SuperBuild initiative. Since 1995, the Ontario government has invested more than $7.5 billion in highway capital programs.

Contact:
Garfield Dunlop
(705) 326-3246 (Orillia office)
(705) 327-4500 (cell)