Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario is taking another step toward completing the four-laning of Highway 69 between Parry Sound and Sudbury, with plans to move a section of CN railway track to make room for a new interchange at Highway 522.
The work is part of the government’s plan to complete the remaining 68 kilometres of Highway 69 that are still two lanes. The remaining work will be divided into six sections, with four expected to be under heavy construction by the end of next year.
“Completing Highway 69 is about more than finishing the remaining 68 kilometres, it is about opening Northern Ontario to its next generation of growth,” said Steven Crombie, senior director of public affairs for the Ontario Road Builders’ Association. “A safer, more reliable connection between Sudbury and Southern Ontario will strengthen communities, support the critical minerals economy and give businesses and families greater confidence to invest and grow in the North.
“ORBA welcomes this important commitment to building the transportation infrastructure Ontario will need for decades to come.”
The rail line relocation will take place within the Township of Mowat and the Municipality of Killarney.
Work will include preparing the land for the new rail line, laying new track, installing signals and connecting the new section to the existing railway. Once the rail work is finished, construction can begin on the new Highway 522 interchange.
The wider highway will improve safety and traffic flow on the busy route between Sudbury and Southern Ontario. The project is also expected to support Northern Ontario’s mining and tourism industries and provide work for construction workers for years to come.
To date, Ontario has completed 84 kilometres of the 152-kilometre project, which runs from 17 kilometres north of Parry Sound to 67 kilometres south of Sudbury.
Construction groups welcomed the announcement.
Sharon Armstrong of the Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association said investments in roads and other infrastructure are needed to support growth and help communities move people and goods safely.
“Strategic infrastructure investments like the widening of Highway 69 are essential to supporting Ontario’s growth, strengthening economic competitiveness and ensuring communities have the transportation networks needed to move people and goods safely and efficiently,” Armstrong said. “Projects like this help build the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous province.”
Patrick McManus, executive director of the Ontario Sewer & Watermain Construction Association, said the work will support jobs and economic activity while improving connections between Northern Ontario communities.
“Investing in the widening of Highway 69 creates jobs and economic activity today, while also building the infrastructure needed to support growth for decades to come,” McManus said. “Expanding this critical connection between Northern Ontario communities will improve the movement of people and goods, support local industries and help attract new investment and economic opportunities.”
Nadia Todorova, executive director of the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario, said the project shows the province’s continued commitment to Highway 69.
“RCCAO welcomes the province’s continued investment in Highway 69. Moving forward with the widening of this critical transportation corridor demonstrates a long-term commitment to strengthening infrastructure, improving safety and connectivity, and supporting economic growth across Northern Ontario,” Todorova said. “Our members are committed to delivering the projects that keep people and goods moving, create good-paying construction jobs, and support Ontario’s continued growth.”
The Highway 69 work is part of Ontario’s broader plan to invest $31 billion over 10 years to build, repair and expand highways, roads and bridges across the province.
