in july 2008 the federal and provincial governments announced a $6.2 billion infrastructure program that makes the four-laning of hwys. 11 and 17 near kenora and thunder bay a priority. engineering work on twinning 11/17 between nipigon and thunder bay was to begin in 2008. on may 1, 2009 the federal and provincial government announced that twinning of highway 11/17 would begin in 2010.