Province looking for proposals to replace Frederick Street bridge as part of Highway 7 expansion

The provincial government announced Wednesday morning the next step in the Highway 7 expansion project.

Starting on Feb. 28, contractors will be invited to submit proposals for the replacement of the Frederick Street bridge.

Minister of Transportation for the province, Prabmeet Sarkaria was in Kitchener to make the announcement.

“The people of Kitchener-Waterloo have waited far too long for the new Highway 7,” said Minister Sarkaria, “That is why our government has made it a priority to move this project forward. The new highway will be a game changer for the region, ensuring the efficient movement of people and goods across southern Ontario, with commuters spending less time sitting in traffic and more time doing what matters most to them.”

The province plans on widening Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph to four-lanes which it believes will help fight gridlock on the 401 and keep goods moving in the region.

“Today’s announcement is an important next step in the provincial government’s commitment to move the Highway 7 project forward,” said Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of Kitchener. “The construction of the Frederick Street Bridge will not only help connect residents and businesses between Kitchener, Guelph and surrounding areas but will also be key to moving goods throughout southern Ontario, across Canada and elsewhere in North America.”

After the Highway 7 expansion is completed, it is expected that there will be seven interchanges between Kitchener and Guelph, including a connection to Highway 85 and a new crossing over the Grand River.

“I am pleased that the government is opening the next phase of Highway 7 improvements with the call out to contractors for proposals to replace the Frederick Street Bridge at the end of this month,” said Mike Harris, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga. “We have seen and expect to see the continued growth of population and jobs in Waterloo Region, and planning ahead for that will benefit not just the local community but everyone commuting and transiting throughout the Greater Golden Horseshoe.”

The expansion project is among the more than 100 actions identified in the government’s “Connecting the GGH” plan.

Minister Sarkaria has not provided a timeline on when the Highway 7 expansion will begin construction.