Southern Highways Program 2010-14

In 2010, the Ontario government plans to invest $1.17 billion to expand and repair highway infrastructure in Southern Ontario. Some of the many highway projects starting this year are highlighted below and in the following pages. Separate sections contain the maps and lists of all major southern highway projects underway or starting between 2010 and 2014. Major highway projects are generally greater than $1 million in value; the ministry also contracts hundreds of smaller value highway projects that are not included in this document. These projects include spot improvements and strategies to maintain components in good repair until a major investment is required or minor work to improve highway operations.

Due to unpredictable aspects of highway planning and construction, the program outlined in this document may vary slightly. Factors such as property acquisition, weather, environmental considerations and approvals, traffic staging, design changes and unexpected field conditions can affect construction schedules. As well, all projects are subject to approvals under various pieces of legislation, including the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. Each year the government prepares a new budget which may impact funding. It is important to recognize that these factors may impact project timing.

PLANNED ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Multiple Bridge Rehabilitations, Highway 401 Elgin County

The Ministry of Transportation owns and maintains 2,720 bridges across Ontario. From clearing snow to carrying out repairs, the Ontario government is committed to making sure that our bridges are safe and efficient for all travellers.

This series of projects will include the rehabilitation of four bridges crossing over Highway 401 in Elgin County. Bridges included in these projects are: Blacks Road Underpass, Furnival Road Underpass, Dunborough Road Underpass, and the Southminister Bourne Underpass.

Construction consists of rehabilitation of the bridge deck, barriers, piers and concrete girders. Minor rehabilitation to the approach roadways as well as, curb and guide rail replacements will also be completed. These rehabilitations will extend the service life of the existing bridges and maintain a safe infrastructure.

Reconstruction of Highway 21 From Kincardine, Northerly to Tiverton

Rehabilitation of this section of Highway 21 from Kincardine to Tiverton will improve overall road condition, safety, and drainage. Work will begin in 2010 with pavement rehabilitation of 13 km that will include widening of the sub grade to provide a ready platform to accommodate future lane and shoulder widths.

Construction will also replace 25 non-structural culverts, 3 structural culverts and the rehabilitation of 3 additional structural culverts. Other improvements include: roadside safety improvements, replacement of signage, pavement reconstruction within the Village of Tiverton, storm sewer improvements, and landscaping. Of special note, the Ministry has decided that this project will use an innovative and environmentally sound cold-in-place recycling method for rehabilitating the pavement.

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2010 Highlights & Planned Accomplishments

Rehabilitation of Highway 28 Stoney Lake to Young’s Point, Bancroft

Highway 28 between Douro 5th Line and Young’s Point will be rehabilitated this year. For 3 km the existing pavement will be rehabilitated and a number of operational improvements will address traffic flow and the overall safety of this area of the highway. Minor widening of the travel lanes and partial paved shoulders will be completed within the existing roadway. Intersection improvements will occur at Douro 4th Line and Birchview Road. These improvements include the addition of southbound left turning lane and right turn improvements. Additionally, three curves in the roadway will be upgraded to the current MTO standards and storm water management improvements will be implemented.

This section of Highway 28 is a significant north-south road carrying local, commercial, seasonal, recreational and tourist traffic between Lakefield/Peterborough and Young’s Point/Burleigh Falls. When completed the project will improve the driving surface resulting in increased safety and comfort for road users.

Structure Replacements Highway 401 South Glengarry Township

This project will see the removal of the current Highway 401 / CNR Overpass Structures and their replacements in South Glengarry Township.

In order to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction during the structure replacements, construction will include a median detour, installation of a temporary modular bridge, and a temporary sewer system to ensure proper drainage.

Extension of Highway 404 Region of York

Beginning in 2010, Highway 404 will be extended northerly 8 km from Green Lane to Queensville Sideroad in the Town of East Gwillimbury, Region of York. Initial construction will consist of a rural freeway with two lanes in either direction, divided by a grassed median and having driveable shoulders incorporated throughout.

The project will complete the construction of the partial interchange at Green Lane, as well as new interchanges located at Doane Road and Queensville Sideroad. Construction at both interchanges will widen, reconstruct the existing roads and construct new underpass structures. Fully illuminated carpool lots will be constructed at Green Lane and Queensville Sideroad, with transit facilities for GO Transit being provided at the Queensville Sideroad lot.

Rehabilitating 24 km of Highway 12 Township of Ramara

The rehabilitation of Highway 12 from the Simcoe/Durham Regional Boundary northerly to Rama Road (Simcoe Road 44) will see rehabilitation and/or reconstruction of the existing pavement, an extension of the southbound truck passing lane by 200 metres, widening of selected sections of the shoulder, replacement of several culverts, and improvements to the overall drainage.

The work conducted under this project will provide improvements to highway safety, riding quality, drainage and extend the service live of the pavement and culverts.

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