Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited a Morrison Hershfield job site recently. The final phase of improvement to a vital transportation link is underway at Highway 8 in the cities of Kitchener and Cambridge ON. We were retained to undertake the detailed design and contract administration for highway reconstruction and widening. Our scope of work includes widening the highway from four lanes to eight, a new four lane bridge over the Grand River along with rehabilitation of the existing bridge with complete deck replacement, rehabilitation and widening of the overpass structures at King Street East, and rehabilitating the Sportsworld Drive overpass. A median tall wall barrier, high mast lighting and a storm sewer system will be added. Lastly, the Highway 8 and Highway 401 ramps will be resurfaced. When the five stages of construction are completed by 2012, driving in the area will be safer, easier and quicker.
The governments of Canada and Ontario are providing funding for the highway improvements. The project’s total estimated cost is $70 million. This investment in infrastructure stimulates economic growth, creates jobs and supports communities. After visiting the site the Prime Minister announced the creation of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.