Toronto, Ontario – July 12, 2006: Aecon Group Inc. (TSX: ARE) announced today that it has been awarded a $16.1 million contract for work on the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) at 16 Mile Creek, from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
The project involves the construction of a new four lane westbound bridge at 16 Mile Creek. During construction the existing westbound bridge will remain open, allowing for minimal disruption of traffic. The new bridge will be 24 metres high at its peak, and an approximately 220 metres long. Construction on the bridge will include steel reinforced caissons drilled into shale rock, steel reinforced concrete caps, four main piers and two abutments. The contract includes installation of a 750-metre concrete watermain, and 7,500 cubic metres of concrete.
In preparation for construction, a noise barrier will be erected at the Ministry of Transportation property line. Interestingly, a snake habitat will be built in the creek bed, as part of an environment improvement plan designed to retain as much of the natural environment as possible. Construction on the project is scheduled for completion in November of 2007.
“Aecon has had a long history working on the Queen Elizabeth Way, going back to its original construction,” said Teri McKibbon, President, Aecon Civil & Utilities. “We are very pleased to work with the Ministry of Transportation to continue the expansion of the QEW.”
Aecon Group Inc. is Canada's largest publicly traded construction and infrastructure development company. Aecon and its subsidiaries provide services to private and public sector clients throughout Canada and internationally.