Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government has committed $6 million to upgrade a highway rest area on Highway 17 north of Sault Ste. Marie. Construction will expand the site to accommodate commercial vehicles and support the safe movement of people and goods across the region..
Pioneer Construction Inc. has been awarded the contract for the Batchawana Bay rest area project.
As part of a five-year plan to improve the rest area network across Ontario, the government is upgrading 14 existing rest areas, building 10 new rest areas and adding 165 additional truck parking spaces at four existing ONroute locations.
Upgraded amenities will include newly constructed entrance and exit lanes, giving truck drivers year-round access to heated washrooms and a separate parking area with nine spaces for commercial vehicles.
“The improvements to the Batchawana Bay rest area are welcome news for all who travel Highway 17 north. These improvements will create greater safety on the highway through all seasons,” said Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie. “Our government will continue to invest in upgrading our highway system across northern Ontario, making travel easier and safer for all drivers.”
Washrooms will also be renovated with new fixtures, enhanced lighting and upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
The rest area will also be fitted with free Wi-Fi, personal device charging stations, a TV with information displays and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. Work will also be done to support underground infrastructure to allow for future electric vehicle charging stations.
“Updating the rest area in Batchawana Bay Provincial Park will provide enhanced safety and convenience for truckers, travellers and tourists to take a break, access washrooms 24/7 and gather local information to explore the natural beauty of this region, including many nearby provincial parks,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks.