407 ETR opens new lanes between Highway 400 and Highway 404

Investment of over $1.2 billion since 1999 keeps highway fast, safe and reliable 

TORONTO, Aug. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - 407 ETR has announced the opening of a new lane in each direction between Highway 400 and Highway 404. The new lanes (running 16 kilometres in each direction) will keep customers moving at a fast, safe and reliable speed on the world's first all-electronic, open-access toll highway.

The opening of the new lanes demonstrates 407 ETR's commitment to ongoing investment in the highway and excellence in traffic management.   Construction took place over the summer with few lane closures and minimal impact on drivers. The lanes officially opened today were built well ahead of time in anticipation of increased demand.

As with all 407 ETR highway construction projects, the new lanes underwent an exhaustive inspection and audit to ensure compliance with Ontario Ministry of Transportation standards.

"We greatly appreciate the trust commuters have put in us," said Jose Tamariz, President and Chief Executive Officer, 407 ETR. "Customers continue to tell us that saving time and money are the best reasons for choosing 407 ETR.  The company will continue to provide customers with the services they want and the time savings they have come to expect."

407 ETR's total investment in construction and infrastructure since 1999 now tops $1.2 billion. All 407 ETR maintenance and expansion is completed at no cost to taxpayers.

407 ETR spans 108 kilometres across the top of the GTA - from Burlington in the west to Pickering in the east.

407 International Inc. is owned by Cintra Infraestructuras S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ferrovial S. A. (43.23%), by indirectly owned subsidiaries of Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (total 40%), and by SNC-Lavalin (16.77%).

BACKGROUND

407 ETR: AN ECONOMIC DRIVER

In addition to keeping traffic moving, construction and other improvements provide the surrounding communities and businesses additional capacity to support growth and development. 407 ETR construction projects have also created thousands of local jobs, which has been especially important during the recent period of economic recession.

407 ETR: STATE-OF-THE-ART

407 ETR uses leading-edge technology to operate 198 unique barrier-free entry and exit points along the highway, eliminating the need to stop at toll booths and allowing traffic to continuously flow onto and off the highway. This technology also allows 407 ETR to efficiently process more than 380,000 trips on the highway on an average workday.

407 ETR: AWARD WINNING

407 ETR has been recognized by the Intelligent Transportation Systems Society of Canada for its vehicle fingerprinting system when it received the first-ever New Canadian Commercial Technology/Innovation or Research and Development Award. In addition to other national and international awards that have recognized the high level of service and innovation at 407 ETR, the company has also achieved ISO 9001:2008 status.

407 ETR: SAFE

407 ETR continues to have an excellent safety record, which provides drivers and their families' reassurance when travelling on the highway. Close adherence to safety standards and a high-quality maintenance program have given the highway an exceptional safety record. 407 ETR monitors the highway at all times through an extensive fiber-optic network of CCTV cameras. Additionally, 407 ETR safety patrols monitor the highway around the clock.  407 ETR also supports safety initiatives in the community through participation in the Ontario Traffic Safety Coalition and by holding an annual Community Child Safety Seat Installation and Inspection Clinic.

407 ETR: ENVIRONMENTAL AND EFFICIENT

Vehicles that travel at a safe and consistent speed use less fuel than when travelling in stop-and-go traffic. As 407 ETR rarely has traffic congestion, drivers save money on gasoline and also reduce the environmental impact of driving by emitting less carbon dioxide (CO 2) per kilometre than vehicles idling in traffic. Tolling the highway manages congestion and maintains traffic levels in the busiest times and areas so that traffic continues to move at a fast, safe and reliable speed.

407 ETR: CUSTOMER REWARDS

In addition to investments in new construction and infrastructure, 407 ETR continues to appreciate customer loyalty and has offered more than $65 million to customers as part of its "ETR Rewards" customer loyalty program. The company also offers periodic incentives to customers to sign up for automatic payment and paperless billing, which allow customers to review their bill electronically and have payment automatically processed to their credit card or bank account.

407 ETR: A COMMUNITY SUPPORTER

407 ETR goes beyond providing a fast, safe and reliable trip to its customers by supporting the communities it serves. 407 ETR is a very proud sponsor of the SickKids Foundation, SickKids Radiothon, United Way and York University along with many other community groups and charities. A significant part of the community support provided by the company comes from the dedication of employees and their commitment to community causes. 407 ETR also supports major and minor sporting events and activities in the GTA.

407 ETR spans 108 kilometres across the top of the GTA - from Burlington in the west to Pickering in the east.

407 International Inc. is owned by Cintra Infraestructuras S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ferrovial S. A. (43.23%), by indirectly owned subsidiaries of Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (total 40%), and by SNC-Lavalin (16.77%).

SOURCE: 407 ETR Concession Company Limited

Kevin Sack, Vice President
Communications and Government Relations
Phone [phone]
Email  [email protected]