Nearly $5 million is being invested in a significant infrastructure project in Lambton Shores.
The province, through the Connecting Links program, announced $30-million Friday morning to help 14 municipalities repair roads and bridges.
About $4.8-million of that is for replacement and widening of the Ontario Street bridge in Grand Bend.
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP and Labour Minister Monte McNaughton said improvements have been a long time coming for the 60-year-old span.
"The lack of a turning lane has been a constant source of congestion especially during the busy and exciting summer tourist season," said McNaughton. "Beyond the frustrating traffic delays, and more importantly, are the safety concerns. The bridge's narrow sidewalks are far from ideal for those walking along them. I know I've heard many calls for us to do more and today relief is on the way."
Lambton Shores Mayor Bill Weber said the bridge is vital to the continued growth of tourism and commerce, not only in Grand Bend, but for all communities along the Lake Huron shoreline. He said a timeline has not been set for the project.
"Our staff have been working and our engineers have been working to have designs ready and it will take time now to get proper tenders and notifications," said Weber. "We are proposing not to have much construction through the summer period to not disrupt tourism, not disrupt traffic going through to the northern parts of Ontario. We'll work with that and do it as soon as we possibly can."
Through the Connecting Links Program, eligible municipalities can receive funding for 90 per cent of project costs, up to $3-million for roads projects and $5-million for bridge work.