Ontario Construction News staff writer
Highway 401 is expanding from six to ten lanes in the Cambridge area – a plan to relieve congestion, shorten commute times and ensure the safe and reliable movement of essential goods along Canada’s busiest highway and critical trade corridor.
“Highway 401 is a lifeline for travel and the movement of goods throughout our province and that’s why we are making historic investments to expand and modernize it,” said Caroline Mulroney, provincial minister of transportation. “Together with our federal partners, we are investing in these critical infrastructure projects to drive economic growth and create jobs during these extremely difficult times.”
This project is the second widening project in Cambridge. The widening of Highway 401 from Highway 8 to Hespeler Road was completed in 2019.
The highway will be widened from six to ten lanes between Hespeler Road and Townline Road. Construction on the project, which includes High Occupancy Vehicle lanes, is expected to begin later this year.
“Investments in modern transportation infrastructure are important to building strong communities and thriving businesses,” said the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “The widening of Highway 401 in Cambridge, including the creation of high occupancy vehicle lanes, will make it easier and safer for Ontarians and local businesses to get to their destination.”
The work, between Hespeler Road and Townline Road, will begin later this year. No word on how much it will cost, but the province and federal governments are splitting the bill.
“The project will also make transportation of goods through our region more efficient. Ultimately, safer roads with less congestion will keep Cambridge moving,” said Bryan May, Member of Parliament for Cambridge.
Area businesses expect to reap the rewards of the project through economic benefits to the local community.
“Everyone in the Region of Waterloo knows how important the 401 is to our communities.” said Amy Fee, MPP for Kitchener South-Hespeler. “This investment will reduce travel times and help keep goods moving through this critical trade link and improve the quality of life in our growing region.”
Widening the 401 is part of the government’s plan to improve outdated infrastructure in the area.
In 2017 the Government of Canada committed to funding up to 50 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $96 million through the Building Canada Fund–Major Infrastructure Component of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.