TORONTO, June 14 /CNW/ - GTA drivers know they can expect a safe, fast and reliable commute when they choose Highway 407. This summer, 407 ETR has budgeted over $70 million in construction projects to keep the highway congestion free. These projects, which will create over 200 local jobs, include:

    
    -   Adding lanes between Highway 404 and Markham Road

    -   Widening of bridges between Highway 403 and Highway 401 in
        preparation for new lanes in 2011

    -   Ramp improvements at QEW, including the QEW/Fairview Street
        interchange.
    

Widening the bridges between Highway 403 and 401 will allow the company to build additional lanes in each direction next year. This will increase traffic capacity by 50% in 2011 on this busy section of the highway.

"Construction today means faster trips for our customers in the future," said Jose Tamariz, President and Chief Executive Officer of 407 ETR. "We continue to invest in additional lanes and other enhancements to ensure our customers have the best commute possible."

"We always strive to minimize the disruption to our customers," continued Tamariz. "Crews will work at night and on weekends to ensure that the workday commuters experience minimal inconvenience from the construction."

"We appreciate our customers' patience during this construction period, and hope they will be pleased with the improvements to Highway 407," said Tamariz.

407 ETR Concession Company Limited ("407 ETR") is the operator and manager of Highway 407, which extends 108 kilometres east-west, just north of Toronto. 407 International Inc., the sole shareholder of 407 ETR, is owned by a consortium comprised of Cintra Infraestructuras, Intoll and SNC-Lavalin.

For further information: Steve Spencer, Director, Communications and Government Relations, Tel: 905-264-5232