By Ontario Construction News staff writer
Construction is underway on the Banwell Road and E.C. Row Expressway Interchange and Corridor Improvements, a $110.9 million infrastructure project that ranks among the largest in Windsor’s history. Supported by $68.8 million in provincial funding, the work marks a major milestone in the city’s efforts to expand road capacity, enhance safety, and prepare for rapid economic and residential growth.
GIP Paving Inc. is serving as the general contractor, with Dillon Consulting Limited as the City’s consultant. Substantial completion is expected in 2027, with final restoration in 2028.
Currently accommodating 10,000 to 17,000 vehicles daily, Banwell Road’s traffic volume is expected to double north and triple south of the interchange as major developments come online, including the NextStar Energy EV battery plant and the Tecumseh Hamlet project.
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria called the Banwell initiative “an investment in Windsor’s growth and competitiveness.”
“Our $50 million investment in the Banwell Road and E.C. Row Expressway Interchange will support Windsor’s growth, improve access to the NextStar Energy EV battery manufacturing plant, and help build a more self-reliant and competitive economy,” Sarkaria said.
City Council approved the construction in July 2024 as part of Windsor’s $2.24 billion, 10-year capital plan, which allocates about $1.34 billion to roads and sewers between 2025 and 2034. For 2025, the city has approved $144 million for roadwork and $62.7 million for sewer improvements.
The Banwell project includes two main components.
Component 1 – Banwell Road Overpass and Interchange at E.C. Row Expressway:
- Work started in mid-September on a new overpass and interchange, including a watermain, storm sewer system, pavement, lighting, and a multi-use trail system. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation is contributing $50 million toward this portion of the project. Lane restrictions and detours will continue over the next several years, with efforts made to minimize disruption to commuters.
Component 2 – Banwell Road Corridor Improvements:
- This phase will widen Banwell Road from two to six lanes between Mulberry Drive and Intersection Road, tapering to four lanes as it crosses the CPKC railway to connect with the widened section under construction by the County of Essex. The work will also include a new intersection serving the NextStar Energy site and future Tecumseh Hamlet area, as well as upgraded watermains, storm sewers, stormwater management systems, lighting, and a multi-use trail.
The Banwell corridor project also includes extending Wyandotte Street East to Jarvis Avenue and improving the Banwell Road/McHugh Street intersection — upgrades that will help unlock over 3,000 new housing opportunities.
“We’re not just widening a road; we are opening up endless possibilities for neighbourhood growth and development,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. “This work will improve access to Canada’s first electric vehicle battery plant, support local supply chain businesses, and lay the foundation for Windsor’s next chapter in Sandwich South.”
Since 2022, approximately $11.3 million has already been invested in earlier Banwell Road upgrades, including road reconstruction between Tecumseh Road and Palmetto Street, a new roundabout at Wildwood Drive and Mulberry Drive, and a recent mill and pave between Tecumseh Road East and Wyandotte Street East.