inhalton File Photo
The $639.8 million highway expansion project is scheduled to break ground with the widening of the existing six-lane configuration.
The plan includes:
- 2 lane core-collector system from the Credit River to Winston Churchill Boulevard;
- 10 lanes from Winston Churchill Boulevard to Highway 407 ETR/ Highway 401 interchange;
- 12 lane core-collector system from Highway 407 ETR/ Highway 401 interchange to east of the James Snow Parkway;
- 10 lanes from the James Snow Parkway to west of Regional Road 25;
- Median High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes; and
- Support facilities and features including drainage, lighting, signage, Advanced Traffic Management System, carpool lots.
David Ellis, project director of West Corridor Constructors, says completion is set for November of 2022.
Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) and Infrastructure Ontario (IO) selected West Corridor Constructors to design, build and finance the project.
The expansion will also include modifications to existing infrastructure to accommodate the proposed widening. West Corridor Constructions is planning to build or widen bridges, as well as upgrade the retaining walls.
As for traffic delays, you could say it’s “short term pain for long term gain”.
Studies conducted by MTO concluded that the expansion will reduce traffic congestion, travel times, and provide a more effective movement of people and goods, both locally and regionally, within the Highway 401 corridor.
MTO also cited economic benefits, including generating employment opportunities for those involved in the design and construction of the project. WCC estimates the majority of the labour will come from the Greater Toronto Area. They’re estimating 200 workers on-site at the peak of construction.
Source: inhalton