RENFREW COUNTY – Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski announced the province is moving forward with the latest stage of widening Highway 17 from Arnprior to Renfrew. 

The expansion will see Hwy. 17 go from two to four lanes between Renfrew and Arnprior and include four new interchanges. 

“Hwy. 17 is a lifeline for travel and the movement of goods throughout Renfrew County,” Yakabuski released in a statement today (May 27). “Twinning this vital highway corridor will improve safety, strengthen the connection between communities, create jobs and attract investment to the region.”

The province is widening 22.5 kilometres of Hwy. 17 from Scheel Drive to three kilometres west of Bruce Street in Renfrew County. The highway expansion project will help to inform the province’s first regional transportation plan for Eastern Ontario, to be released in 2021.

The government is requesting Expressions of Interest from qualified contractors for the first stage of the highway expansion. Construction will begin following the awarding of the contract and completion of the design and environmental assessment. 

Stage 1 will include the construction of a new interchange at the Calabogie Road intersection.

Stage 2 of the project includes building three new interchanges and widening Highway 17 from two lanes to four from Scheel Drive in the Township of McNab/Braeside to just west of Bruce Street in Horton Township.