A business case for the establishment of a proposed oversized load corridor is complete. The analysis, completed by Canadian Pacific Consulting Service in association with Anderson Haulage, determined the corridor project is financially viable and beneficial. Mayor Mike Bradley says it's an important step. "It's good to see that both the county and the city councils have been supportive of this initiative," said Bradley. "I think it's a good example of what does go on in this community and that we recognize this can be an incredible opportunity in the long run term for the community as it relates to jobs and expanding our markets. So everyone wins from that." Sarnia Council approved $600,000 in the 2017 capital budget to support heavy haul corridor planning work. The complete business case, and previously completed detailed engineering study, give local municipalities the information and support needed to apply for senior government funding for infrastructure improvements.
"I think the commitment that's been made shows the federal and provincial governments, who are being asked to be part of this, that we're serious and we're putting our money into the game and now we're hoping that they will come forward," said Bradley.
Sarnia's Director of Economic Development and Corporate Planning Peter Hungerford believes there may be an opportunity for funding when the Federal government announces its budget in March 2017.
"Inside that budget, we believe there will be funding for trade corridors and our oversized load corridor we believe would be a project that would fall within that range of projects," said Hungerford. "After that we would apply for funding and if all approvals can be obtained as quickly as hoped, the project could start with engineering in the fall of 2017 and construction as early as spring of 2018." Road modifications and the removal of power lines is estimated to cost $3.6-million.
SLEP and the Sarnia-Lambton Industrial Alliance are spearheading the effort that’s expected to be of huge benefit to local industry in various sectors.
