The Corporation of The City of London
November 4, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
London officially celebrates completion of the Charley Fox Memorial Overpass
Federal, provincial and municipal representatives gathered in London today to
officially recognize the completion of the Honorary Colonel Charley Fox Memorial
Overpass at the intersection of Hale and Trafalgar streets.
This new overpass incorporates London's first arterial road roundabout and helps
the City address a number of safety and traffic issues. By elevating vehicle and
pedestrian traffic above CN Rail lines, pedestrians and cyclists can travel
through the area more safely. As well, vehicles are no longer required to wait
while rail traffic crosses Hale Street.
“The Charley Fox Memorial Overpass is a significant legacy investment that
created jobs and boosted the economy here in London,” said Ed Holder, Member of
Parliament for London West, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of
Transport, Infrastructure, and Communities. “By reducing traffic congestion, it
has greatly improved the quality of life in our city. As Remembrance Day
approaches, the Charley Fox Memorial Overpass pays tribute to a distinguished
war hero and recognizes his postwar dedication to the community.”
"Our government is supporting key infrastructure projects like this to build
stronger, safer communities and create jobs.” said the Honourable Chris Bentley,
Member of Provincial Parliament for London West. “Pedestrians and motorists will
benefit from a safer, more efficient commute while we recognize a great
Canadian.”
Mayor Fontana marked the event by saying, “Londoners are well served when their
three levels of government work together and where we’re standing today is a
perfect example of productive partnerships. Our roadway is safer and the
innovative and award winning design keeps traffic moving. This is what people
want and what the city needs and at the same time we are able to use this public
place to honour our veterans and their unselfish service to our community and
their country. How fitting we dedicate it in their memory at this time of year.”
“CN is pleased to have contributed to this project. The new overpass will
enhance community safety, reduce wait times for the public and increase the
efficiently of our rail network through the City of London,” said Dennis Broshko,
General Manager for Eastern Canada.”
The innovative design of this overpass has been widely recognized. The
Consulting Engineers of Ontario recognized the project with an Award of Merit in
the transportation category. It was also awarded the Peter J. Marshall 2011
Municipal Innovation Award from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
Most recently, it received an award for Achievement and Excellence at the 2011
Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards in Ottawa.
The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario are each contributing one
third of total eligible project costs, to a maximum of $3,816,667. The City of
London and the Canadian National Railway are sharing the remainder of the total
cost of $11,450,000.
Federal support for this project comes from the Government of Canada’s
Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which has resulted in over 4,100 infrastructure
projects across the country.
This project supports Building Together, Ontario’s long-term infrastructure plan
to repair, rebuild and renew the province’s roads and highways, bridges, public
transit, schools and postsecondary institutions, hospitals and courthouses.
Since 2003, the Government of Ontario has created and supported 600,000 jobs and
invested $62 billion in infrastructure. Through Building Together, Ontario will
continue to make significant investments in public infrastructure, starting with
an investment of more than $35 billion over the next three years.