Two road projects involving Highway 401 are getting a boost from the province.
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation announced Wednesday a $1.3 billion investment into highway projects across the province. A $165 million portion of that money is set aside for western Ontario, where 23 projects will receive funding.
One is in Essex County on the 401 near County Road 17. The other is in Chatham-Kent, involving the westbound 401 between Essex Road 42 and Merlin Road.
Minister of Transportation Jeff Yurek said the projects will help boost construction jobs in the region.
"As our government manages Ontario's finances in a responsible manner, we are protecting services that matter most, including road maintenance," Yurek said. "No matter what the service, policy, program or investment, our government puts people at the heart of our decision making. This funding is a clear example of that commitment. We are working to improve road safety for all Ontarians."
A total of 123 road projects will benefit in what the PC-majority government calls an effort to create a transportation network that "encourages job creation, investment and trade in every region."
It was not immediately known how much funding the two local projects will receive.
