Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the design and construction of a Highway 6 interchange.
Interested bidders from the expression of interest phase will be shortlisted this week and invited to submit proposals for design and construction, the release explains. Those proposals will be reviewed by Ministry of Transportation officials following closure of the submission process in October, with construction expected to begin in late 2022.
The new interchange, to be built between Maltby Road and Wellington Road 34, is expected to enhance safety and capacity along the Hanlon Expressway, the release continues. Removal of the at-grade intersections is needed in support of future interchange improvements at Hwy. 401 and Hwy. 6 North.
“Our government is making smart investments in highways, roads and bridges to strengthen and expand our highway network,” said Caroline Mulroney, minister of transportation. “We are one step closer to constructing the next phase of this essential work to make our roads safer, alleviate traffic congestion throughout the communities of Morriston and Aberfoyle, and to help this important region grow.”
The Highway 6 corridor through Morriston is considered one of the busiest two-lane highways in Ontario. Phase 1 of the expansion project was completed last year with the replacement of Puslinch Concession Road 7 Bridge over Highway 401.
The new interchange will remove two at-grade intersections along Hanlon Expressway, creating an improved link between Highway 401 and the Guelph area. Removal of these at-grade intersections is required before construction of future interchange improvements at Highway 401 and Highway 6 North can proceed and supports and improves connectivity between Guelph and Hamilton.
Work on the Highway 6 corridor is included in the province’s draft Transportation Plan for Southwestern Ontario, designed to improve connections between Ontario’s southwest communities.