The Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge. /Province of Ontario photo
Major improvements to the Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge — which was originally constructed in 1967 — are complete, says the province.
“Under the leadership of Premier (Doug) Ford, our government is making historic investments in roads, bridges and highways to connect communities in every corner of our province,” said Ric Bresee, parliamentary assistant to the minister of transportation, in a recent release. “From widening Hwy. 401 from Pickering to Belleville, to completing the Skyway Bridge, we will continue to stand up for drivers and families in Eastern Ontario.”
Recognizing the bridge serves as an important connection to Hwy. 401 for Prince Edward County communities and hundreds-of-thousands of tourists visiting wine country yearly, according to the province, these upgrades will support local tourism and safe movement of people and goods.
The $63-million rehabilitation project included the replacement of the bridge deck, repairs and reconstruction of bridge supports and widening of bridge shoulders to increase safety for vehicles and pedestrians crossing between Prince Edward County and Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. With both lanes now open, the bridge will help support the region’s growing businesses and economy, reads a release from the Ministry of Transportation.
“I congratulate Premier Ford and the Ministry of Transportation for successfully completing the necessary safety upgrades to the Skyway bridge,” said R. Donald Maracle, Chief of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, in the release. “Our council acknowledges the extensive consultation and excellent working relationship established between the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte community and the provincial government throughout this vital project. We look forward to maintaining a mutually-beneficial working relationship in the spirit of reconciliation.”
The 850-metre Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge serves as a connection between Hwy. 401 and Prince Edward County via Hwy. 49, which runs north-south through Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. On average, a reported 5,200 vehicles travel daily on Hwy. 49 at the Bay of Quinte.
Over the next decade, the province said it is investing $28 billion to build an repair highways, roads and bridges to tackle gridlock and get Ontario’s moving quickly to their destinations.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
