The federal and provincial governments announced more than $8 million in funding for the improvement of road and other transportation infrastructure in Belleville and Quinte West on June 23.

The cities will share in the funding from senior levels of government while contributing themselves nearly $14 million to the projects.

The City of Belleville will invest nearly $6 million for the reconstruction and widening of approximately 1.5 km of Bell Boulevard. The road will be widened from two to four lanes west of Sidney Street, new signalized intersections will be installed, and auxiliary and turning lanes, street lighting, and paved shoulders will be added to support active transportation. Traffic congestion will be eased by accommodating higher traffic volumes, supporting commercial and industrial development along the boulevard, and improving the safety and reliability of the road.

“The Bell Boulevard construction project is essential to accommodate the rapid traffic growth, increase safety and reduce congestion on this roadway,” said Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk. “This funding has made it possible for us to proceed with widening this road from two to four lanes, addressing the extraordinary commercial and industrial growth pressures this area is about to experience.”

Quinte West will contribute $7.8 million for improvements to King Street, Division Street, Catherine Street and Dufferin Avenue. The roads will be reconstructed and upgraded to include wheelchair-accessible sidewalks, bike lanes and asphalt resurfacing. These enhancements will support safer and more reliable infrastructure for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

“The City of Quinte West is pleased to be partnering with the provincial and federal governments on the King Street Redevelopment project,” said Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison. “Their investment will help revitalize two major roadways within our community, one of which leads to our hospital. This important partnership ensures we are providing residents with safe and sustainable infrastructure they can count on for years to come.”

The Government of Canada is investing more than $4.9 million in the projects through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan, while the Government of Ontario is contributing over $3.3 million.