Ministry of Transportation continues to dither and delay

For immediate release:

October 23, 2024     

QUEEN’S PARK – MPP Bobbi Ann Brady once again stood in the Ontario Legislature to ask the Minister of Transportation to provide a start date for long-overdue Argyle Street Bridge reconstruction in Caledonia.  Brady also asked when traffic lights will be installed at the dangerous Highway 6 and Haldibrook Road intersection. 

“Everyone knows this 100-year-old bridge is in critical state. It needs reconstruction not inspection!!” Brady went on the explain: “This government is inspecting the bridge continually to ensure that it is still safe to traverse—that is frightening. This is now my fifth time standing in this House asking the same question and yet this government is playing Russian Roulette with the lives of the people crossing that bridge.”

Brady wondered aloud whether Minister Sakaria on an unannounced summer photo opp in Norfolk County, drove through Haldimand County and across the Argyle Street Bridge. She figured if he had, reconstruction would have started the next day, instead this government continues to dither and delay.

Brady then turned the House’s attention to the dangerous Haldibrook Road and Highway 6 intersection.

According to Brady, the minister recently met with Haldimand County to discuss the deadly intersection, and the minister has a letter dated October 18 from the County emphasizing the urgency of installing traffic lights. 

Brady also cited timelines from the 2024 MTO Project Status Briefing stating construction is planned for 2028 subject to approvals being received and relocation of existing utilities being completed.

“I’ve sent the minister a list of the accidents at Highway 6 and Haldibrook Road. And sadly, 10 people have lost their lives in two years at this intersection and, again, this government is going to dither and delay until 2028,” Brady questioned. “Speaker, through you to the Minister: How many lives must be lost at this deadly intersection before this government makes this a priority?”

In response, the minister repeated government messaging; blamed the previous Liberal government; and stated final approvals to reconstruct are in motion, but again, offered no firm start date.

“No disrespect, but nobody cares whose fault it is, you are the government of the day, get the job done!” Brady responded.

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For more information, contact MPP Bobbi Ann Brady at [email protected] or 519-428-0446