GOVERNMENTS CELEBRATE GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW RAILWAY CROSSING OVERPASS IN LONDON

 LONDON, ONTARIO The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Member of Parliament for Haldimand-Norfolk, along with Ed Holder, Member of Parliament for London West, Khalil Ramal, Member of Provincial Parliament for London-Fanshawe, Chris Bentley, Attorney General of Ontario and Member of Provincial Parliament for London West, London Deputy Mayor Tom Gosnell, and Dennis Broshko, General Manager Eastern Canada - CN Rail, today celebrated the groundbreaking of a new railway overpass at Hale and Trafalgar Streets in London.

Londons Hale and Trafalgar overpass is one of many projects which our Government has supported across the city and Southwestern Ontario to create jobs and strengthen our economy, said Minister Finley. As we enter the second phase of our Economic Action Plan, our government will continue to help families and workers across the country.

This new overpass is creating jobs while supporting the safe and efficient movement of people and goods in London, said MP Holder. This project is great news for Londoners and will provide lasting benefits for years to come.

"We're creating jobs for families and making our communities stronger by investing in infrastructure in London, said MPP Ramal. This is another example of how the McGuinty government is keeping Ontario moving with targeted investments that matter to people in their everyday lives.

Upgrading essential infrastructure is an important part of the McGuinty governments economic plan, said MPP Bentley. By replacing and rehabilitating essential infrastructure, we are ensuring that the residents and visitors in London are able to travel on safe and reliable roads and bridges."

Having efficient transportation corridors across the city makes it easier for Londoners to get around and do business - whether theyre travelling to work, moving products, attending community events or simply running errands, said London Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best. As such, this new overpass will both enhance Londons quality of life and support its economic growth, by streamlining transportation connections among road, rail and air travel. 

"CN is excited to partner with the federal government, the Ontario government and the City of London on this important piece of infrastructure," said Jeff Liepelt, CN Rail's Eastern Canada Senior Vice President. "The results of this grade separation between road and rail will improve vehicular flow, contribute to improved safety, and increase the fluidity of CN operations in London."

The construction of an overpass at Hale and Trafalgar Streets will address safety concerns by elevating vehicle and pedestrian traffic above the CN Rail lines. The overpass will also provide additional area for CN Rail operations and eliminate extended traffic for prolonged periods of time.