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Winter Maintenance

MPP Mike Colle makes the announcement Thursday in Woodstock

Province to deploy 50 additional pieces of winter maintenance equipment in Southern Ontario

WOODSTOCK - Local drivers can expect highway ramps and shoulders in the area to be cleared much quicker this winter. 

That's due to a provincial announcement made in Woodstock Thursday. 

Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation, MPP Mike Colle says the province is working with contractors to deploy 50 additional pieces of winter maintenance equipment in Southern Ontario. 

"In this area alone, the London area, we are going to see an additional eight pieces. We are going to have one extra tow plow and we are also going to have seven more combo units to clear ramps which will help people get safely on and off the highway."

Colle says the province will also be adding 20 inspectors for on-the-ground oversight of contractors during the storm. 

He says this is in addition to the 55 new pieces deployed last year, predominantly in northern Ontario. 

"I don't know the exact cost but it is a significant investment that we have made," but he ensures it will make the roads safer. 

"I know talking to some of the contracting partners here, they said it will really help clear our ramps quicker and clear our shoulders quicker. That's one of the things by the way that OPP asked for is more clearance of the shoulders because some times they have to pull off. These vehicles we are deploying are for those two main focus areas -- the ramps and the shoulders."

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