Joe Preston, MP -- Elgin - Middlesex - London - New Dorchester Bridge Officially Opens

August 16, 2012

THAMES CENTRE, ON – Government representatives joined members of the community in Middlesex County today to celebrate the official opening of the newly constructed Dorchester Bridge.

The former Dorchester Bridge operated for over 85 years as a historic Thames River crossing and recently reached its serviceable life span as a vehicular bridge. With funding from the federal and provincial governments, Middlesex County constructed a new vehicular bridge crossing over the Thames River, which allows for improved and safe traffic flow.

In addition to the construction of a new bridge, project work included the realignment of Catherine and Jane Streets, as well as construction of new utilities and the relocation of existing utilities in the surrounding vicinity.

“The new Dorchester Bridge will provide direct access to Highway 401 and eliminate high traffic volumes, while ensuring a safe route for all types of traffic in the area,” said Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London. “Our government is committed to strengthening the economy through local infrastructure projects focused on safety for residents and visitors.”

“Our government is making targeted infrastructure investments such as this one, to strengthen communities, build strong local economies and create jobs,” said Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation. “Thanks to this project, many people in Middlesex County will benefit from sustainable, quality infrastructure and critical services for many years to come.”

“The new Dorchester Bridge is a critical link for the benefit of both residents and businesses of Dorchester, the Municipality of Thames Centre, and the rest of Middlesex County. It has provided a vital connection for both traffic and services across the Thames River connecting the north and south parts of this growing community,” said Jim Maudsley, Warden of Middlesex County and Mayor of Thames Centre. “I would like to thank both the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario for their partnership which has allowed this project to be a success.”

The governments of Canada and Ontario have each committed up to $2,270,400 toward this project. Middlesex County has committed the balance of the total project cost of more than $6,811,200.

Federal and provincial contributions came from the Building Canada Fund-Communities Component, which represents a joint federal-provincial investment of more than $6 billion to help communities across Ontario address key infrastructure needs.